Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-17 Work Session Packet1 of 5 June 11, 2010 Memo for June 17, 2010 ETC Workshop Created by: Chair J. Janovy Dear ETC, As discussed at our last meeting, we have scheduled work sessions this summer to address ETC scope, bylaws, and policies. Our first meeting will be a general discussion of these topics. There are no agenda materials to consider, but ETC members are encouraged to be familiar (to varying degrees) with the following ordinances, statutes, policies, plans, and City operations related to traffic and transportation in Edina. ETC Ordinance (Section 1225) http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/CityCode/L5-01_CityCodeSect1225.htm ETC Policy/NTMP The Edina Transportation Commission Policy was developed as a supplement to the City of Edina Transportation Plan (March 1999). The purpose of the policy is to guide the Transportation Commission in the identification and evaluation of traffic and transportation issues in the community and the prioritization of projects and improvements to the transportation system. The policy is created to encourage public input and decisions that will be made on quantitative, qualitative and objective factors. The policy was approved by the City Council in April 2005. http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/traffic/L5- 63_TransportationCommissionPolicy.htm Comprehensive Plan—Transportation Chapter http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/Departments/CompPlan.htm Transportation Impact Analysis (Development Proposal Review) The purpose of the Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) Initiation and Review Policy is to provide guidance to applicants and/or consulting engineers assessing the potential transportation impacts of a new development or a redevelopment proposed within the City or which may result from related changes in zoning or Comprehensive Plan amendments. Development applications will not be deemed complete until a final approved TIA has been received by the City. The guidelines in the policy have been developed to provide clear, orderly and consistent analysis by 2 of 5 establishing minimum standards for all TIAs. City staff and the Edina Transportation Commission will review the TIA based on these criteria. Policy can be downloaded at http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/traffic/TransportationImpactAnalysis.htm Local Area Traffic Task Force Report Hard copy available from Engineering. Traffic Signs & Policies: In-Street Pedestrian Crossing Signs Multi-way Stop Signs On-street Parking Signs Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs Residential Stop Signs Speed Limit Signs Warning Signs Yield Signs http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/traffic/L4-19_TrafficSigns.htm Traffic Safety Committee/Traffic Safety Review Board: Traffic Safety Committee/Traffic Safety Review Board minutes can be found in Council packets. Following are descriptions of TSC from past ETC meeting minutes: JANUARY 20, 2004 Some time was spent discussing what role the Commission should play regarding the Traffic Safety Committee. Houle explained that the Traffic Safety Committee reviews warrant requests such as crosswalk, yield signs, etc. that are made to the Council and make recommendations for approval or denial. Richards said he spoke with the Mayor and Hughes and they strongly recommend that we do not get involved with this committee because of the technical nature of what they’re doing. DECEMBER 9, 2004 Lillehaug discussed the traffic safety issues that staff receives complaints about on a daily basis from residents. The issues surround regulatory signing, warning signs, guide signs, pedestrian crosswalks, pedestrian/bicyclist, and traffic speed and volume. A part-time staff receives complaints, analyzes the situation and makes recommendation to the complainant. Boyd Tate was recently hired to fill this position. The Traffic Safety Advisory Board, made up of city staff (Engineering, Police, Planning and Public Works) reviews staff recommendations and in-turn makes recommendations to the Council on course of action. Lillehaug said some issues are deferred to the Police or Engineering Dept and some will now be deferred to the ETC. Some issues that the ETC can anticipate handling is finding traffic calming alternatives in lieu of requested stop signs that are not warranted, etc. Lillehaug reviewed stop sign policy, which includes the purpose of stop signs (all traffic policies are listed on the web). The policy was 3 of 5 developed using the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTDC), which was developed from national guidelines and in authority with Minnesota statutes. Lillehaug said the purpose of stop signs is to assign right of way at intersection, not to slow traffic speed like most people believe. Bennett asked about the basket weave method. Lillehaug said if laid out properly it could be effective. He also reviewed the myths of stop signs. Petitions A petition is used to ask the Edina City Council to consider the following types of improvements: sidewalks, alley pavement, water main, storm sewer, permanent street surfacing with curb and gutter, curb and gutter only (without permanent street surfacing), sanitary sewer, street lighting or, another improvement you describe (called "OTHER" on the petition form). For more information, call the Engineering Department, 952-826-0371, or the City Clerk, 952-927-8861. http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/Departments/L4-17a_Petition.htm Road Reconstruction: Download Edina Street Reconstruction Brochure at http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/Departments/L5- 17a_ConstructionProjects_future.htm Street Maintenance: The Edina Street Department's highest profile job is the plowing and sanding of City streets. Street Department crews normally clear all streets curb-to-curb within eight to ten hours of a snowfall. Edina crews begin plowing and sanding immediately, before we or anybody else may declare a snow emergency. Street sweeping is done year-round, weather permitting, to keep the debris out of storm sewers, lakes and ponds. Each year approximately 15 street miles of City streets are reconditioned with new asphalt (or concrete) and seal-coating. Sidewalks, curbs, and gutters are also replaced, when necessary, during these periodic overhauls. http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/Departments/L3-10_PublicWorks.htm Signs and Striping: The Traffic Sign and Pavement Marking Department is responsible for the manufacture, installation, and maintenance of more than 4,500 advisory and regulatory signs located primarily along City avenues and boulevards. Traffic lane stripes are painted on 45 miles of City streets every year. http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/Departments/L3-10_PublicWorks.htm 4 of 5 Traffic Control Unit (EPD): The No. 1 complaint of Edina residents is traffic. The three officers and sergeant of the Traffic Unit address those complaints, provide routine enforcement and monitor vehicle and pedestrian safety in the community. Traffic officers also participate in City events such as Safety Camp, July 4 parade and educational activities throughout the year. In 2006, officers of the Traffic Unit issued approximately 7,700 traffic citations. In addition, they partner with other law enforcement agencies in the Minnesota Safe and Sober Campaign, which includes “Click It or Ticket” and “Operation NightCAP,” a program targeting alcohol-related impaired driving. For more information about Safe and Sober, see www.dps.state.mn.us/ots/enforcement_programs/default.asp . Our current Safe and Sober effort is highlighted in our "Current Events" section. Traffic trailer--An important part of traffic safety is driver awareness, and one of the tools used to promote awareness is the radar trailer. The trailer is placed around town based on officer observation and citizen input. Please contact the Sgt. Phil Larson at 952-826-1610 during business hours for information about the trailer or if you think your neighborhood would benefit from the trailer. Sgt. Larson reminds drivers of the “Move Over” law. “This Minnesota statute requires drivers to move at least one lane over from any stopped emergency vehicle," he said. "Just that simple action could save a life, and we will cite anyone we see in violation of that law. ” The statute, also known as the Ted Foss law, is available online. http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/content/departments/police_department/divi sions/patrol_division/traffic_control/index.htm Crash Statistics on Edina roadways This information is provided by the State of MN every October. The information is from the previous year. This data is viewable thru proprietary software. Grants for transportation (all modes) and transit related projects: Such as Transit for Livable Communities, Safe Routes to School, or those related to Heritage Preservation. Safe Routes to School study: http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/Traffic/L4-19a_TrafficNews.htm 5 of 5 Funding Sources Refer to Chapter 7.5 “Funding Considerations” for more information on funding sources. http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/Departments/CompPlan.htm Bike Edina Task Force http://www.bikeedina.org Metro Transit http://www.metrotransit.org Regional Traffic News http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/traffic/L4-19a_TrafficUpdate.htm Hennepin County roadway projects http://hennepin.us/portal/site/HennepinUS/menuitem.c821986e7144921df 8735443fbe06498/?vgnextoid=b45e71e99b812210VgnVCM100000c80f468 9RCRD MN Statutes Chapter 169 TRAFFIC REGULATIONS https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169 MN Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/publ/mutcd/index.html MN State Aid Rules http://www.dot.state.mn.us/stateaid/manual/sam07/index.html AASHTO – A policy on geometric design of Highways and Streets (2001) “The Green Book” http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/y2kgb.htm This is just an overview of the most recent changes. The book is not available online. CONNECTING & INNOVATING SINCE 1913 LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES RISK MANAGEMENT INFORMATION ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN COUNCIL MEMBERS Electronic communication such as e-mail correspondence, instant messaging, social media, and blogs and microblogs, can be an unintentional conduit for city officials to violate the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. Elected officials and city committee and board members should be aware of the following issues to avoid inadvertent violation of this law. The Open Meeting Law Under the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat. §13D, meetings of at least a quorum of the city council or one of its committees to discuss city business must be publicized and open to the public, subject to a few exceptions. A primary purpose of the law is to make sure information and deliberations about city business are available to the public. The law applies to any discussion about city business, not just voting or official actions, and to any gathering of a quorum of the council or committee. In most cities a quorum is three or more council or committee members. It's easy to imagine situations in which a quorum might gather — coffee at the local café, pre- or post-meeting discussions, a wedding reception or community celebration are all common places in which one or more council members might be present. Such a meeting would create an open meeting concern if the group discussed city business. Although not an obvious meeting, serial meetings also create an open meeting concern if city business was discussed by a quorum. To understand how a serial meeting occurs, imagine that council member A talks to council member B about a city issue, B talks to council member C about that issue, and C talks to A. Serial meetings also can occur through written correspondence, or telephone conference calls. Any of these scenarios could give rise to an open meeting law violation. Violating the law carries with it penalties including personal liability for up to $300 per occurrence and forfeiture of office for officials who intentionally violate the law three times. Reasonable costs and attorney fees also can be awarded if the court finds specific intent to violate the law. Electronic Communications and the Open Meeting Law The Minnesota Open Meeting Law has a number of tricky aspects, not the least of which results from increasing reliance on e-mail and other electronic communication between council or committee members. This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES 145 UNIVERSITY AVE. WEST PHONE: (651) 281-1200 pnx: (651) 281-1298 INSURANCE TRUST ST. PAUL. MN 55103-2044 TOLL FREE: (800) 925-1122 WF.IS: WWW.LMC.ORG Learn More Read more about risks related to electronic communications between council members, and social media and cities, from the League: Open Meeting Law Defense Coverage Developing a Computer Use Policy Social Media and Cities: Questions and Considerations These items and more are at in the Resource Library of http://www.Irric.org Electronic communication makes a serial meeting easier by allowing council or committee members to forward messages from one person to the next, to respond to one another via blog comments, or to chat via social media vehicles such as Facebook, MySpace or Twitter. Imagine one council member e-mailing another to suggest the pros and cons of a particular city decision. The recipient forwards the e-mail to another council member, along with his or her own comments and interpretations. Even if the last council member to receive the e-mail doesn't reply to the originator or the council member who forwarded the message, the three members have still discussed city business outside a public forum. A similar situation could occur if council members respond to one another's blog, comment about city business on Facebook, or communicate via a micro-blog such as Twitter. A violation could be found where serial electronic communications are used to reach a decision. Many cities are moving toward electronic meeting packets for councils and committees, often sent via e-mail attachments. This sort of one-way distribution of information is fine in terms of the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, remembering that any materials relating to the agenda items of a meeting distributed to members must also be made available to the public as well. City officials should start to get concerned, though, when one or more council members use the "reply to all" feature in e-mail to respond to the content of the meeting materials, or otherwise begin a discussion by e-mail about the packet, or discuss agenda items on social media sites. This can begin to look a lot like non-public discussion of city business. Suggestions One suggestion is that council members never communicate to one-another using electronic means, but instead treat electronic media such as e-mail only as a way to receive information from the city clerk or administrator. If a council member has information to share electronically with the rest of the group, he or she might send it to the clerk and ask for it to be distributed from the clerk to everyone else (electronically or in paper form). Using the clerk as the clearinghouse for information distribution is probably a safer alternative than having council members communicate directly, although it doesn't completely eliminate concerns about violating the open meeting law. Even this clearinghouse concept could provide opportunity for three or more council members to exchange opinions about city business, so it's important that the city clerk be aware of and watch for possible issues. Finally, this model would still present problems in Standard Plan cities, where the clerk is also a member of the council. 2 If council members are engaged in direct electronic discussions, it's probably best to limit it to only two members. A "no forwarding and no copying" rule might be a good way to make sure the Minnesota Open Meeting Law isn't unintentionally violated through electronic conversation. Finally, be careful when council members participate in a listserv, chatroom, forums and social media. Because these groups may include a quorum of your council, one council member's comments will be viewed by other members. If the topic has to do with city business and other council members reply, it could prove problematic under the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. Again, the city might consider a "no reply" sort of rule when it comes to these resources, or perhaps have council members send ideas for postings or responses to the city clerk or administrator to manage. Remember, too, that official city committees are subject to the same open meeting requirements and should be similarly educated about correct electronic use. Regardless of precautions, there may be times when council members find themselves accused of violating the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, perhaps having unintentionally engaged in one of these sorts of conversations. One way to diffuse some concern is to immediately release copies of all electronic correspondence to anyone who wants to see it. While this doesn't negate the possible violation, it shows good faith and lack of specific intent to violate the law. Draft guidelines for electronic communications between council members Cities might decide to develop policies clarifying appropriate or preferred e-mail and electronic communications use by and between council members. Even if a city doesn't formally adopt a policy, the guidelines here might be helpful for any elected official or city board member to follow. The purpose of these draft guidelines is to suggest how members of city councils and other city committees might communicate via email and electronic means. A city should review these draft guidelines along with its normal operating procedures, consult with the city attorney and determine the best course of action. Tom Grundhoefer / Greg Van Wormer 09/09 3 Guidelines for Electronic Communications between Council Members in the City of These guidelines apply to all members of the city council and all members of council and city committees, commissions, sub-committees, etc. in the City of For purposes of these guidelines, reference to council members includes members of all other city committees and groups subject to the Open Meeting Law. Reference to the council shall include all such groups and meetings. For purposes of these guidelines, "electronic means" means email, instant messaging, chatrooms, social media, microblogs and related electronic conversation. For purposes of these guidelines, "city clerk" means the city clerk, manager, administrator or his / her designee. These guidelines apply regardless of whether the council member is using a city-provided email address and account, his/her personal email address or account, or one provided by his/her employer; and to all social media accounts to which a council member posts. Meeting materials Electronic communication of meeting materials should generally be conducted in a one-way communication from the city clerk to the council. • Council members may receive agenda materials, background information, and other meeting materials via email attachment or other electronic means (such as file sharing) from the city clerk. • If a council member has questions or comments about materials received, s/he should inquire via electronic means directly back to the city clerk. A council member should not copy other committee members on his/her inquiry. • If the clarification is one of value to other council members, the city clerk may send follow-up materials or information to the council. Materials relating to agenda items of a meeting must also be made available to the public at the meeting. Communication during council meetings • Council members should not communicate with one another via electronic means during a public meeting. • Council members should not communicate with any member of city staff via electronic means during a public meeting. • Council members should not communicate with the public via electronic means during a public meeting. 4 Communication outside of council meetings • Council members should generally act with caution when using electronic means to communicate with one another, being mindful of the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. • If a council member wishes to share information with other members, s/he should do so through the city clerk. The council member may request the city clerk distribute materials to others. The communication should not invite response to or discussion between any council members, including replies to the person making the distribution request. This should be considered a method for providing one-way information to other members of the council. Again remember that materials relating to agenda items for city business must be provided to the public at the meeting. • If a council member wishes to address only one other member through electronic means on any topic related to city business, s/he can do so directly, but should be mindful of the following: o One-to-one communication is ideal. o The recipient of an electronic message or inquiry should reply only to the sender, should not copy others on the reply and should not forward the original communication to other council members. o The sender of an electronic message should not forward or copy the recipient's reply to any other council member. o Neither the recipient or sender should publish such correspondence on any blogs or other social media site unless it is part of an official communication of the whole of the Council, and part of the city-managed electronic communication strategy. • If a council member receives an electronic communication from any source related to city business and distributed to multiple council members (i.e. an email sent to the entire council from a member of the public; or an email sent to three council members from a local business), s/he should reply only to the sender. The reply should not be copied to all on the original distribution or forwarded to any other council member. • If a council member receives listserv distributions, electronic newsletters, or participates in electronic discussion forums, chatrooms, or on Facebook, Twitter or blogs where other council members are also likely to participate, the council member should not reply to any distribution or comment so that the reply is copied to the entire distribution group, or any part of the group that might include other council members. The council member should instead respond only to the sender of any message or inquiry. Classification and Retention of electronic communications • Regardless of whether electronic communication by a council member is taking place on a city-provided computer, home computer or other computer system, classification of information as public, private or other is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. Chapt. 13) and should be treated accordingly. • Council members should retain electronic communications in keeping with city policies and procedures, whether such communication takes place on a city-provided computer, home computer or other computer system. 5 ORDINANCE NO. 2009 - AN ORDINANCE MERGING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION DUTIES WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND UPDATING PLANNING COMMISSION PROVISIONS, THEREBY AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY CODE The City Council of the City of Bloomington, Minnesota ordains: Section 1. That Chapter 2 of the City Code is hereby amended by deleting those words that are contained in brackets [ ] and adding those words that are underlined, to read as follows: CHAPTER 2 ADMINISTRATION *** ARTICLE V. CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Division A. General Provisions *** SEC. 2.77. REVIEW AND ELIMINATION OF COMMISSIONS. (a) The City Council shall review the role, duties and responsibilities, membership and attendance requirements, and administrative procedures of each advisory board and commission at least every three years. (b) A commission may be eliminated by adopting an ordinance rescinding the ordinance establishing the commission. *** Division C. Planning Commission SEC. 2.95. ESTABLISHMENT. There is hereby established a Commission to be advisory to the City Council and to be known as the Planning Commission, which Commission shall be composed of and have the duties set forth in this Division. SEC. 2.96. COMPOSITION. Except as discussed in City Code Section 2.96.02, t[T]he Planning Commission shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the City Council. All members shall be qualified voters and residents of the City. The members shall be appointed for a term.of three years, each of said terms to expire on December 31, excepting that the members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Terms shall be staggered so that no more than three terms expire in any qiven year. [In 1961, and every third year thereafter, three members shall be appointed; in every other year, two members shall be appointed.] Vacancies during the term of an appointed member shall be filled by the Council for the unexpired portion of the term. [Three cuccessive unexplained abeences from regular meetings shall be cause for removal by the City Council from the SEC. 2.96.01. REMOVAL OF COMMISSIONERS. The City Council may remove any member of the Planning Commission for any cause. Planning Commissioners shall be automatically removed in the event they: (a) have three successive unexplained absences from regular meetings., (b) fail to meet the attendance requirements of City Code Section 2.74.01; or (c) reach the end of their six year service limit. Page 1 of 4 SEC. 2.96.02. ASSUMPTION OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION DUTIES AND NUMBER OF COMMISSIONERS. Beginning on January 1, 2010, the Planning Commission shall assume the duties of the former Traffic and Transportation Advisory Commission (TTAC). To promote an efficient transition, the following provisions apply to Planning Commission composition during the assumption of duties: (a) Beginning on January 1, 2010, the Planning Commission shall temporarily consist of nine members. All eligible and previously appointed Planning Commission members shall remain on the Planning Commission until they resign, fail to be reappointed after the end of a three year term or are removed by the City Council pursuant to City Code Section 2.96.01. In addition, the City Council shall appoint all interested, eligible and previously appointed TTAC members to serve on the Planning Commission starting on January 1, 2010, up to a maximum total of nine members. (b) Beginning on January 1, 2013, as Planning Commission members resign, fail to meet attendance requirements (see City Code Section 2.74.01), fail to be reappointed after the end of a three year term or are removed by the City Council pursuant to City Code Section 2.96.01, the number of Planning Commissioners shall be reduced until the Planning Commission reaches seven members. After January 1, 2013, no new appointments to the Planning Commission shall be made until the number of Commissioners falls below seven. (c) Any previous service on either the Planning Commission or the TTAC shall apply for the purpose of calculating the maximum six year service limit on the Planning Commission. SEC. 2.97. RULES AND MEETINGS. The Planning Commission shall prescribe its own time and place of meetings and shall meet at least once every month, unless there are no applications to review or other business to conduct. All meetings of the Planning Commission shall be open to the public. No member of the Planning Commission who has a personal financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any matter coming before the Planning Commission shall vote thereon. Violation of this section by any member of the Planning Commission shall be a misdemeanor. SEC. 2.97.01. BYLAWS. The Commission shall formulate bylaws to govern all other matters relating to the Commission such as officers and duties, dates and conduct of meetings, quorum and other relevant matters including, but not limited to, amendment of the bylaws. The bylaws and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the City Council for approval. SEC. 2.98. POWER AND DUTIES. The Planning Commission shall: [(1) recommend plans for the future laying out of streets in unplatted territory within the City; e-. e existing streets; (3) hold hearings as provided in the Subdivision Regulations (Chapter 16 of this Code) on proposed plats and recommend changes in the Subdivision and Zoning Codes; (6) propose regulations in accordance with M.S.A. Ch. /162, the Municipal Planning Act; (7) hold hearings and make recommendations as set forth in the Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Code of the City; and 9;I e this Code.] (a) Hold hearings, review applications and make recommendations as set forth in the City Code; (b) Act as a board of appeals and adjustments within the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2.98.01 of this Code and Minnesota Statutes Sections 462.354, subd. 2, 462.357, subd. 6, and 462.359, subd. 4; (c) Review and make recommendations on proposed amendments to zoning, subdivision and transportation provisions of the City Code; (d) Review and make recommendations on proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan and district plans; and (e) Review and make recommendations on transportation issues including transportation planning, street extensions and modifications, street layout and striping, on street parking, neighborhood traffic plans, transportation grant applications, transit systems, pedestrian ways, and bicycle traffic. *** Page 2 of 4 Division F. Reserved [ SEC. 2.98.30. RESERVED [ESTABLISHMENT. There is hereby established a Commission to be advisory to the City Council to be known as the Traffic and Transportation Advisory Commission, which Commission shall be organized and have the duties as set forth in this Division.] SEC. 2.98.31. RESERVED [PURPOSE-. issues affecting the City of Bloomington.] SEC. 2.98.32. RESERVED [ transportation-matters: (1) Citizen complaints about traffic. (2) Development within the City which has a substantial impact on traffic and transportation. (3) Long range transportation planning for the City. (4) Priorities of public improvements. (5) Grant applications. (6) Accident causes, as they relate to traffic. (7) Energy conservation proposals. (8) Environmental considerations. (9) Public transportation. (10) Pedestrians. (11) Bicycle traffic. The Commission may hold public hearings on these matters when requested by the City Council or - - - .] SEC. 2.98.33. RESERVED [MEMBERSHIP,. The Commission shall consist of seven (7) members who are residents of the City. The members shall be e • • * • * 2 — consist of three members appointed for a term of three (3) years, two (2) members appointed for a term of two (2) years and two (2) members appointed for a term of one (1) year. The Commission shall be composed of e SEC. 2.98.34. RESERVED [BYLAWS, The Commission shall formulate bylaws to govern all other matters relating to the Commission such as a ppr-evab] *** Page 3 of 4 Section 2. This ordinance shall go into effect on December 11, 2009. *** Passed and adopted this day of 2009. Mayor ATTEST: Secretary to the Council APPROVED: City Attorney Page 4 of 4 MINUTES OF THE Edina Transportation Commission Work Session Thursday, June 17, 2010 Edina City Hall 4801 West 50th Street Community Room MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Bonneville, Jennifer Janovy, Paul Nelson, Josh Sprague, Jean White, Geof Workinger, Nathan Franzen MEMBERS ABSENT: Usha Abramovitz, Julie Sierks, Michael Schroeder STAFF PRESENT: Jack Sullivan, Sharon Allison Chair Janovy opened the meeting and explained the purpose of the meeting was to talk about scope. Bonneville said the ETC needs to look at why we do what we do; need to advise citizens so that they may have opportunity for input, e.g. The Colony and public notification; Planning issues that come before the ETC do not get publicly noticed. Janovy said they could invite Director Teague to attend a session. White gave an overview of how the ETC started. She said it started with the Traffic Taskforce that identified issue areas and in 2003 a decision was made to create the ETC and they began meeting in 2004. Janovy elaborated on the issue areas - northeast, northwest, high school area, community center area, W. 70th Street, France between crosstown & TH-494 and Southdale corridor was looked. She said the issue areas have been looked at. Franzen asked what triggers something coming to the ETC. Bonneville said Sullivan's team does not tell them what's coming up regarding road reconstruction projects. Sullivan said everything is online. Sprague said the ETC is contact for public; if information is limited online, then limited information is seen by the public. He said issues come in to the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) and the ETC does not have an opportunity to discuss because they do not have a role with the TSC. He said this is disjointed for the average resident. Janovy said they are advisory to the Council so they need to look at scope from this view and send useful information to the Council. She said the ETC is charged with looking at speed and volume. She said when residents approach TSC, they generally supply their own solution to problem, e.g. stop sign to deal with speeding, and they are told no because warrants are not met and so they are still stuck with the problem. She asked why aren't residents coming to the ETC? Workinger asked if this is a real problem. Sprague said yes, when you hear the same complaints. Workinger said they do get the TSC's report, so he does not think they are missing information. Sprague said need to delegate certain tasks given to TSC. He said they should be empowered like city of Bloomington to be able to discuss items from TSC report on camera. Workinger thinks process works and staff must have latitude. He said if they see pattern developing they can review. Janovy asked about the process for dealing with speeding on a street. Sullivan said when the call comes in it goes to Boyd, the traffic safety coordinator. Janovy said if ETC is charged with speed and volume on local streets, why aren't residents being referred to the ETC? Sullivan said because TSC requests are usually tied to regulatory signs. Janovy estimated that nine out of 10 requests are denied because they do not meet warrants. She said the ETC can then maybe focus on education. White said she relies on staff for expertise. Would response be delayed to residents if the ETC had a role in reviewing TSC reports? Sullivan said TSC reports go to Council to review and approve and Council can ask staff to take another look which could require a speed study. All said and done this process could take three or four months. Sullivan explained TSC's process — Boyd gets call, data gathered, TSC meets, resident notified of TSC's decision and told they can come to Council meeting if request is denied. Regulatory signs must be approved by Council. Removal of signs is the same process. Janovy said she knows residents are communicated with because she has been through the process. Workinger asked if the role of the TSC is working appropriately. He said he would support an ETC member being on TSC because there would be too many items to be added to the ETC agenda; or, pull item for discussion. Sprague agreed with this as long as ETC can have discussion and then advise Council, if it relates to speed or volume. Janovy said when residents make contact she would like the ETC to be an option instead of automatically going to the TSC. Sprague suggested that TSC reports be on the ETC consent agenda and pulled off for discussion if there is an item concerning speeds, volumes, congestion or traffic calming on local streets, especially if there is a pattern of similar type concerns. Workinger asked what can the ETC do that Council cannot do. Bonneville said TSC has devices that can be used such as speed humps, etc., if so choose. He said it goes back to his memo of 1000 ADT, busy streets, etc. These are large scope items that ETC should give input on then on to the Planning Commission (PC) and then to Council. Janovy estimated they could miss over 90% of Edina if the ETC limits its involvement to streets with 1000 ADT or higher and they would often be looking at streets outside of their jurisdiction (i.e., arterials). Sullivan said he does not know if 90% is accurate. Workinger asked if there are measurements that shows ADT. Sprague said they should focus on system-wide network, maybe on streets with less than 1000 ADT, and let ETC exercise discretion. He said Bloomington has great examples. They merged their Transportation Commission with Planning Commission and created a defined scope and policies to integrate scope. He read their ordinance Sec 2.98.32. Bonneville said Bloomington has fine procedures that are worthwhile studying. Sprague said they developed a collector street restriping policy to fit a more Complete Streets approach. He said they meet with staff at beginning of year to integrate and conflicts go to the body to decide. This allows them to meet strategic goals. ETC does not have a way to do this now. He said if the State passes Complete Streets, it will apply to State Aid roads but not to other local roads. For County roads, he said the County allows staff to come to them with their idea/plans and then the County signs off. Janovy said they could invite Steve Elkins from Bloomington to attend a meeting to explain their process. Sprague suggested (Josh please provide name) 2 Janovy summarized discussion so far: 1) TSC, 2) Road reconstruction - ETC does not have a role. Bonneville said they should not get involved in the detail of the day-to-day stuff which is why he made the recommendations in his memo. He referenced 44th Street as an example:. 44th Street peaks in the morning; road is beyond 80% of capacity — too many parents taking kids to school in car at Cornelia. Sullivan was asked if 1000 ADT is high for local streets; he said 300-1000 is typical for residential road. White asked about the cost of fixing these issues. Response was this cannot be answered at this time. Janovy suggested education and enforcement instead of being so focused on engineering. White said she recalls meeting with the Police regarding enforcement and they have done some marketing campaigns with the communications department. She suggested creating a toolbox that would include enforcement, education, and communication. She also suggested changing up what's being done so residents do not become bored. Sprague's noted example of Bloomington's policies online that explain why they need curb and gutter. Janovy said education could include stop sign function. When would the ETC discuss problem areas identified in the Comp Plan? Would it be at the beginning of the year? Sprague said their responsibility is first to inform self, second is to inform public, and third oversight. He said the City engineer could use TV to explain. Sullivan was asked if staff does similar planning like Bloomington does. Sullivan said yes. He said they generally look at 5-yr plan and generally relates back to the Transportation Plan. Sprague asked if staff do such things as asking Mn/DOT for example, to look at Xerxes where a reliever is needed. Janovy asked what the ETC needs Council's approval on. She said the ETC is not advisory to staff. Franzen said it's their job to make Council's job easier. Janovy said all policies must be approved by Council. It was noted that Council is not getting ETC minutes. Does this undermine their role? Janovy said they will be getting minutes from now on. Council becomes involved in the following: ETC policy — yes - approved Traffic Impact Analysis — yes, but it was not approved by the City Council Comp Plan — yes, approved Local Area Taskforce — yes, approved, and all areas in report have been addressed in some way. Traffic Signs — yes 3 Petition - yes TSC — yes (Janovy said a variety of traffic policies are in the engineering department as handouts) Street Maintenance — approved in CIP Signs/Striping — yes Budget discussion about maintenance dollars, asphalt, commodities bid, fiscal year. Bonneville said there are level of projects: 1) mega project; 2) medium (3-4 blocks long); 3) small (1-2 blocks long); and ETC would get involve with mega and maybe medium projects. Traffic Controls — police enforcements and State Statutes Crash Statistics - no Grants — Council approves acceptance of funds. It was noted that funds were given back for Interlachen bike lanes that would have run from Vernon to city of Hopkins limits. Residents did not want it because it would cross their driveway. Suggestion that maybe there could have been a way to work with residents. Bike Taskforce — yes Metro Transit — yes, though they have final say, but ETC can put pressure on them White said Metro Transit is taking public comments for a route in Edina and suggested that ETC submit a comment. Regional Traffic News — on the web Hennepin County Roadway — yes Statutes — yes, if resolution required, e.g. resolution showing support for Complete Streets Bonneville said ETC could apply for a grant from City to ask Mn/DOT to do traffic study to look at a particular area. Chuck Rickart, City's consulting traffic engineer's time is hourly. As a matter of practice, ETC can comment on issues and then they could become agenda items said Janovy. Or, Bonneville said Janovy could assign members to work on certain issues. Franzen asked if the list can be put into a matrix and show for example, trigger points for TSC when issues would come to the ETC. Janovy said extra meetings could be scheduled to continue discussion. She said tonight's discussion was of scope and what Council weighs in on. 4 Nelson likes idea of matrix; concerned with delving into everything. Likes idea of knowing what's going on with restriping, etc. so he can talk with residents in community - this is part of our charge he said. If they can get TSC reports earlier, especially if it's a neighbor, but may not need to do anything unless the issue is big. He asked if there is a master plan that shows all ADT. Sullivan said yes, dates back to 1975 but there are some gaps. He said State Aid roads are done because of requirement and in recent years they've been filling in gaps. Data is electronic but not very user friendly. Sullivan was asked if there is a policy for doing traffic counts, speed study. He said not in writing, just general practice — knows days to avoid/include, do not place too close to turning movements because this gives artificially low speeds. And generally count volume and speed at the same time (two tubes). W. 66th St. currently being measured; will be completed in two weeks. Capturing speed before speed reduction goes in effect and then again after and also capturing pool and school traffic. Will put down again in the summer and after the pool close. Final comments: Workinger asked what they are going to do when they get to what "it" is. He said PC's discussion is to cut out the ETC. Bonneville said they'll review minutes, modify and send to Council. Sprague said will need to flesh out more. Janovy said whatever they do will go to Council. Sprague said to continue having discussion on TSC and be able to discuss on camera; where do we fit regarding road reconstruction? Bloomington synchronizes with staff annually. Franzen said matrix would be good, especially for new members. Bonneville said he liked Franzen's idea. Will consider resending his 1/22 memo. He said it would be good if they had better knowledge of what streets are to be worked on so ETC can participate; not trying to infringe on budget. Electronic communication: Janovy said they to need to follow Open Meeting Law and League of MN Cities guideline was emailed to everyone. She said all emails could be sent to Jack and he would then distribute to everyone, but they cannot communicate with each other (for example, cannot email entire group, should not "reply all" to emails that contain ETC business, and should be careful to not email a small group about ETC business because email could end up being read by a quorum of members). And they are not to talk business outside of scheduled meetings with a quorum of members and should be mindful to avoid serial communications with a quorum of members. Sullivan said he has spoken with Heather about doing a presentation on Open Meeting Law. Janovy said 4 people can meet because this is not a quorum and they do not have decision-making power. Regular scheduled ETC meeting: Sullivan said he is only aware of the YMCA project, nothing else. Bonneville asked if the chair could ask members to work on projects via email. Sprague said his approach would be to use the list as a matrix along with Bloomington's ordinance and discuss using it as a scope. Janovy asked how busy members are to meet bi-weekly. Consensus is to meet again in two weeks. 5 Workinger asked about the chair advising Council of what they're doing. Consensus was that Workinger would be seeing the Mayor in the morning and could mention it to him. Meeting adjourned. 6 Jack Sullivan From: Sprague, Joshua S <joshs@cbburnet.com > Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 3:34 PM To: Jack Sullivan Subject: RE: ETC - July 1, 2010 work session Changes: Bottom of page 2: it says "Josh provide name" -- the name is Val Svensson from MN DOT Page 3 -- mid to lower page -- it says "Sprague said their responsibility is first to inform self, second is to inform public, and third oversight. " The first part should say ..."is first to inform ETC as a body." I think that would be clearer. Thanks Jack! js josh sprague 612.501.0252 From: Jack Sullivan [mailto:jsullivan@ci.edina.mn.us] Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 1:52 PM To: gswork@aol.conn; Jack Sullivan; jmawhite@aol.conn; jkj966@aol.com ; josh@joshsprague.com ; jsierks2@comcast.net; Mschroeder23@msn.com; nfranzen@westwoodrenewables.com; pnelsonrrr@aol.com; Sharon Allison; TABonneville@aol.com ; nanimeghani@aim.com ; Wayne Houle Subject: ETC - July 1, 2010 work session ETC Members, Please see the email below and the attached DRAFT meeting minutes from the June 17, 2010 workshop. Regards, Jack Jack D. Sullivan, PE Assistant City Engineer City of Edina Direct: 952.826.0445 fax: 952.826.0389 isullivan@ci.edina.mn.us 1 Dear ETC, Attached are draft minutes from our June ETC meeting. As they show, we covered a lot of ground. Thank you to everyone for your contributions. Sharon did a great job recording this complex conversation. Please limit changes to the minutes to correcting factual errors. If you would like to expand on the minutes or on comments made at the meeting to move us further along in this discussion, please do so in a separate memo, sent to Jack prior to our upcoming work session so it can be distributed to everyone. We will discuss the minutes at our upcoming work session and approve minutes for both work sessions at our regular July meeting. The work session is scheduled for July 1, 6:00 p.m., in classroom 2 at the Edina Senior Center, Grandview Square. This is a "committee of the whole" meeting, so attendance is not required, but please attend if you can. If you are not able to attend, please email Jack. Looking forward to seeing everyone on July 1. Thanks, Jennifer 2 Background Where This Conversation Came From • Recognition that existing ETC policy has been incorporated in Transportation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan • Recognition that areas identified in the Traffic Task Force report have been addressed • Awareness that ETC ordinance indicates bylaws and we have none • Planning Commission discussion of ETC role in development proposals ETC Authority The Edina City Council is the policy and legislative body of the City. The ETC is advisory to the City Council. The ETC may recommend policies or ordinances to the Council but recommendations take effect only when approved by the Council. The ETC is not advisory to City staff and does not direct City staff. Staff liaisons provide information and practical support to the ETC. The ETC may ask City staff for information. The ETC may also recommend policies that, if adopted by the City Council, would provide direction to staff on specific matters. Working Premise—Scope The ETC has an advisory role in those areas, related to traffic and transportation in Edina, where the City Council takes action. These areas, as defined at our last meeting, are: • ETC policies—as stated above, the City Council approves policies o ETC Policy/NTMP o TIA policy not approved by City Council • Traffic Impact Analyses—the City Council approves development proposals; TIA reports may be a required submittal • Transportation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan—the Council approves the Comprehensive Plan • Local Area Traffic Task Force—the Council adopted the "framework" • Traffic signs—Recommendations for regulatory signs brought forward by TSC; can be posted only with Council approval • Sidewalk petition—Sidewalks approved by the City Council • Traffic Safety Committee—City Council approves report or directs further action • Street maintenance—Equipment/supplies approved in CIP • Signs/striping—Approved by the City Council • Grants—Grant funds must be accepted by the Council • Bike Edina Task Force—City Council included Bike Plan in Comprehensive Plan • Metro Transit—City Council may be consulted by Metro Transit on route changes 1 • Hennepin County projects in Edina—Such as France Ave. re-striping. City Council may be asked to support or not oppose. • State projects within Edina—such as Bren Rd. interchange, or 494/169. City Council may be asked to support, not oppose, and/or pay portion of project costs • State statutes—Mn/DOT rules—the City Council may pass resolutions in support of or opposing legislation, rules changes, etc. ETC Role For consideration: The role of the ETC related to the above (scope) may be: • Recommend policy only o For example, draft and recommend a policy that the Council approves and City staff carry out. No ongoing ETC involvement, apart from periodic policy review • Recommend review only o Item appears on agenda for ETC review and action • Recommend policy and review o Draft and recommend a policy that, if adopted, governs the process by which review is given and actions are taken; may provide guidance to both ETC and staff or only ETC How Scope Fits Within ETC Ordinance For discussion: • Define each term in bold below. For example, what does "operation of local street system with respect to traffic volumes," mean? What does it involve? • How do each of the above areas (scope) fit within the existing ETC ordinance? What is the connection? What is needed to make the connection? • What, if anything, does the existing ETC ordinance leave out? Advise 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. Review and comment on plans to enhance mass transit opportunities in the City. Review the findings of the Local Traffic Task Force and offer recommendations for implementation. Evaluate methods for traffic calming and other speed and volume mitigation measures and recommend their implementation where appropriate. 2 Road Reconstruction Projects ETC role: • Develop/recommend policies: o Complete Streets for local streets • Supportive policies: • Improved sidewalk petition process • Review sidewalk assessment (other funding sources?) • On-street parking policy o Road Diet/Re-striping policy o Revised NTMP (if road reconstruction includes traffic calming elements, should this be provided for in NTMP?) o Road reconstruction review process • It has been suggested that the ETC have the following role in reviewing/commenting on road reconstruction: • Staff presents annual overview of upcoming projects (serves to notify public of what is coming up and to keep ETC informed) • Staff presents individual projects to ETC prior to feasibility study for discussion/feedback • Staff presents feasibility study (and/or ETC notified of when feasibility study will be presented to residents) • Question: Feasibility studies are presented to the City Council for approval. Does ETC want a role in making recommendations to the Council re: feasibility studies? • Priority for above action (scale of I to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring back to group 1 Traffic Safety Committee ETC role: • Update NIMP—to include Education and Enforcement. o Develop/recommend related public information sheets to educate residents' perceptions and expectations • Continue to receive TSC minutes o It has been suggested that TSC minutes be placed on the ETC consent agenda. If a member has a question or wants further discussion of any item, the member may pull it off for discussion and possible action. o It has been suggested that resident concerns be tracked to see if there is a pattern of concerns on any street, or area of town, related to speeds, volumes, enforcement, pedestrian safety, etc. • Question: What would we do with this data? Recommend NTMP? • Priority for above action (scale of to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring back to group 2 Development Proposals ETC role: • Currently defined in the TIA policy: The TIA specifies when a TIA is required. If applicant does not believe a TIA is warranted, the policy says: The "ETC and City staff will review the document and determine how to proceed." The TIA policy specifies when a traffic study is required instead of a TIA and says: "The ETC shall consider the following four effects in evaluation of traffic studies that are warranted by certain zoning, land-use, conditional use permits and final development plan applications prior to the application being submitted to the Planning Commission and Council for consideration." The policy specifies that a "TIA will be reviewed by City staff, independent traffic engineer and the ETC for final approval." • Question: Is the issue o ETC role as defined in policy is not clear or well defined and/or o TIA process as part of planning process is not clear or well defined? • Priority for above action (scale of I to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring back to group 3 Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan ETC role: • Currently defined in NTMP policy • Update NTMP o It has been suggested that NTMP include education and enforcement sections that would be preliminary to engineering section o It has been suggested revised NTMP should align with Complete Streets, TSC procedures, and road reconstructions (in cases when traffic calming is part of road projects) • Priority for above action (scale of I to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring back to group 4 ETC Policy ETC role: • Update policy o It has been suggested updated ETC Policy should align with Transportation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan o It has been suggested that ETC should review adopted "Framework" from Traffic Task Force report and consider including (as is or modified) o It has been suggested that a Street Fact Sheet* be provided for each street or section of roadway reviewed • Priority for above action (scale of I to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring back to group Projects Not Within Edina's Jurisdiction ETC role: • The following have been suggested: o Revise ordinance to include review of higher level roadway projects o Create process through which ETC members bring forward an area of interest/concern o Staff presentation of projects early in the process if Edina is given opportunity to influence outcome o Public information on jurisdiction issues to educate perception and expectations • Priority for above action (scale of I to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring back to group 5 Bylaws ETC role: • Develop/recommend Bylaws o It has been suggested that the City provide standard sections for the following: conflict of interest; data practices; open meeting law; public comment; public hearings; interpretation of Robert's Rules; election of chair/vice-chair; formation and use of subcommittees generally; adopting purpose, duties, membership and terms as stated in ordinance; attendance per ordinance; and removal per ordinance o Develop additional sections as needed • Priority for above action (scale of I to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring bock to group ETC Ordinance: ETC role: • Recommend ordinance update o It has been suggested • Purpose and Duties could be more clearly stated; • Ordinance should explicitly include ETC role in reviewing higher level projects (arterials); • Ordinance no longer needs to include Traffic Task Force findings • Priority for above action (scale of I to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring back to group 6 Minutes/Recommendations: ETC role: • Provide useful, added-value information to the City Council to inform their decision- making. o It has been suggested that ETC review how the content or our discussions and our recommendations are presented to the City Council to improve the usefulness and value of the information • Priority for above action (scale of I to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific in to bring back to group 7 * Street Fact Sheet A Street Fact Sheet would provide known information (data) about any street or section of roadway considered. Fact Sheet would provide "knowledge" (data) on streets/road segments and facilitate knowledge-based discussion/deliberations and informed decision-making. The Fact Sheet would be a fill-in-the blanks format. Use of Fact Sheet would be routine. Fact sheet would be developed at ETC recommendation with guidance from staff. Suggested data sections (where no data exists or is not applicable, section is left blank): Street/Road Segment Identifiers: such as name, location (bounding intersections), functional classification, adjacent land use, jurisdiction ROW/Width: available transportation ROW and current uses, roadbed width, lane width, turning geometrics, curb and gutter Past Studies: if street/road segment has been subject of past study, when, why, and results. Can include TIA, NTMP, Mn/DOT, TSC or any other investigation. Speed/ADT/LOS data: including when/where measured and method of measurement, speed limit(s) Infrastructure Issues: such as pavement rating, when scheduled for reconstruction, underground utility maintenance Pedestrian Facilities: type (sidewalks, signalized crosswalks, marked crosswalks), location, width, local or state aid. Are pedestrian facilities on sidewalk plan? Is street within school or other walking zone? Is there a pending sidewalk petition? Bicycle Facilities: type (way finding, bike lane, side path), location, width. Are bicycle facilities on Bike Plan? Mass Transit: such as whether on route, schedule and location of stops On-Street Parking: location, number of spaces, whether primary use is residential, park, school, or business Main Intersections: location, LOS, signalized, signed, jurisdiction • Priority for above action (scale of to 5, with I low and 5 high) o For ETC functioning I 2 3 4 5 o For effectively managing/addressing traffic/transportation concerns I 2 3 4 5 • Next steps: 8 o Further discussion as group o Refer to subcommittee o Refer to staff for specific information/action to bring back to group Understood: • We meet for two hours per month • We do not want to develop an unmanageable workload • We want to be sensitive to staffs workload • We are advisory to the Council—recommendations take effect when approved by the Council • We continue operating "as is" while these issues are being addressed 9 July 1 Handout Background Where This Conversation Came From • Recognition that existing ETC policy has been incorporated in Transportation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan • Recognition that areas identified in the Traffic Task Force report have been addressed • Awareness that ETC ordinance indicates bylaws and we have none • Planning Commission discussion of ETC role in development proposals ETC Authority The Edina City Council is the policy and legislative body of the City. The ETC is advisory to the City Council. The ETC may recommend policies or ordinances to the Council but recommendations take effect only when approved by the Council. The ETC is not advisory to City staff and does not direct City staff. Staff liaisons provide information and practical support to the ETC. The ETC may ask City staff for information. The ETC may also recommend policies that, if adopted by the City Council, would provide direction to staff on specific matters. Working Premise--Scope The ETC has an advisory role in those areas, related to traffic and transportation in Edina, where the City Council takes action. These areas, as defined at our last meeting, are: • ETC policies—as stated above, the City Council approves policies o ETC Policy/NTMP o TIA policy not approved by City Council • Traffic Impact Analyses—the City Council approves development proposals; TIA reports may be a required submittal • Transportation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan—the Council approves the Comprehensive Plan • Local Area Traffic Task Force—the Council adopted the "framework" • Traffic signs—Recommendations for regulatory signs brought forward by TSC; can be posted only with Council approval • Sidewalk petition—Sidewalks approved by the City Council • Traffic Safety Committee—City Council approves report or directs further action • Street maintenance—Equipment/supplies approved in CIP 1 • Signs/striping—Approved by the City Council • Grants—Grant funds must be accepted by the Council • Bike Edina Task Force—City Council included Bike Plan in Comprehensive Plan • Metro Transit—City Council may be consulted by Metro Transit on route changes • Hennepin County projects in Edina—Such as France Ave. re- striping. City Council may be asked to support or not oppose. • State projects within Edina—such as Bren Rd. interchange, or 494/169. City Council may be asked to support, not oppose, and/or pay portion of project costs • State statutes —Mn/DOT rules—the City Council may pass resolutions in support of or opposing legislation, rules changes, etc. ETC Role For consideration: The role of the ETC related to the above (scope) may be: • Recommend policy only o For example, draft and recommend a policy that the Council approves and City staff carry out. No ongoing ETC involvement, apart from periodic policy review • Recommend review only o Item appears on agenda for ETC review and action • Recommend policy and review o Draft and recommend a policy that, if adopted, governs the process by which review is given and actions are taken; may provide guidance to both ETC and staff or only ETC How Scope Fits Within ETC Ordinance For discussion: • Define each term in bold below. For example, what does "operation of local street system with respect to traffic volumes," mean? What does it involve? • How do each of the above areas (scope) fit within the existing ETC ordinance? What is the connection? What is needed to make the connection? • What, if anything, does the existing ETC ordinance leave out? Advise 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. 2 Review and comment on plans to enhance mass transit opportunities in the City. Review the findings of the Local Traffic Task Force and offer recommendations for implementation. Evaluate methods for traffic calming and other speed and volume mitigation measures and recommend their implementation where appropriate. 3