AGENDA COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION MONDAY, … · 2017-11-29 · AGENDA COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017; 5:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. ROLL

AGENDA COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017; 5:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

I. ROLL CALL

II. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 6, 2017 MINUTES

III. OLD BUSINESSNone.

IV. OTHER OLD BUSINESS

V. NEW BUSINESS

The MMUTCD guidelines for STOP and YIELD signs are included in your packet.

A. REQUEST TO CHANGE MONROE STREET FROM 40TH AVENUE TO 42ND AVENUE FROM ONE-WAY TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC

Ms. Sally Whittaker has requested Monroe Street from 40th Avenue to 42nd Avenue be changed from one-way to two-way traffic. Ms. Whittaker has seen drivers ignore the one way designation numerous times. E-mail correspondence from Ms. Whittaker is attached.

RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to direct staff to research the one-way designation and if feasible to remove, conduct a survey of residents along Monroe Street from 40th Avenue to 43rd Avenue and report back to the Traffic Commission.

B. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF MADISON STREET AND 42ND AVENUE

Ms. Polly Philblad and Ms. Emily Meyers have requested traffic control signs at the intersection of Madison Street and 42nd Avenue. The concern is lack of traffic control and the number of accidents at this intersection. Both e-mails are attached.

Visibility at the intersection is fair. There is a small hill in the southwest quadrant that partially blocks visibility for eastbound and northbound traffic.

The Traffic Commission denied the request for traffic control at this intersection in 2016. Commissioners felt the MMUTCD guidelines for installing a stop sign were not met. The minutes of the meeting are attached.

At that time, the Police Department review of reported accidents for the past five years consisted of one accident in 2012, one accident in 2013, three accidents in 2014, and one accident through July, 2016. Updated reported accident information will be available at the meeting.

Ms. Philblad’s e-mail references one accident on May 5, 2017 and one on October 22, 2017.

On Madison Street, traffic stops at 41st Avenue and 43rd Avenue. On 42nd Avenue, traffic stops at Jefferson Street and Quincy Street.

Traffic Commission Agenda November 6, 2017 Page 2

The number of traffic accidents is approaching the MMUTCD guidelines of five crashes within a three-year period and three crashes within a two-year period. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to call a public hearing at the next Traffic Commission meeting to install YIELD or STOP signs at the intersection of Madison Street and 42nd Avenue, yielding or stopping traffic on Madison Street.

C. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF 7th STREET AND 43RD AVENUE Ms. Jennifer Laine has requested traffic control at the intersection of 7th Street and 43rd Avenue. Her concern is a near accident at that intersection. She is also concerned about other uncontrolled intersections. Ms. Laine’s e-mail is attached. The intersection is at the top of a hill. Visibility is limited until near the intersection, and then it is good. The Traffic Commission reviewed this intersection in 2016. Commissioners agree that the topography of the area makes installation of traffic control impractical, especially with winter driving conditions. At that time, the Police Department review of reported accident records for the past five years consisted of one accident in 2012, two accidents in 2014, and one accident through July, 2016. Updated reported accident information will be available at the meeting. A speed survey was done by the Police Department in 2015. The average speed on 7th Street for northbound traffic was 21 mph. On 7th Street, traffic yields at 41st Avenue and stops at 44th Avenue. On 43rd Avenue, traffic stops at 5th Street and Jefferson Street. Staff recommends installing advance warning signs for the intersection. Information concerning MMUTCD guidelines for signs is attached in your packet. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to deny the request for traffic control signs at the intersection of 7th Street and 43rd Avenue. Move to direct staff to install warning signs for the intersection at 7th Street and 43rd Avenue in accordance with the guidelines in the MMUTCD.

VI. OTHER NEW BUSINESS VII. REPORTS

A. CITY ENGINEER 1. 43½ Avenue at Pierce Street

Traffic Commission Agenda November 6, 2017 Page 3

The City Council approved the removal of the stop sign for east bound traffic on 43½ Avenue. The stop sign for north bound traffic on Pierce Street remained in place. 2. 49th Avenue from Monroe Street to Jackson Street

Anoka County Highway Department conducted a traffic study near the schools on 49th Avenue from Monroe Street to Central Avenue and Fillmore Street to Johnson Street. A school zone with reduced speed limit has been established on 49th Avenue between Monroe Street and Jackson Street. In the future, flashing yellow lights will be installed, similar to the section between Fillmore Street and Johnson Street. 3. Requests for Disabled Parking Signs

At the request of residents, disabled parking signs have been installed at the following locations:

• 4447 Van Buren Street, Permit number 44264176 • 4237 6th Street, Permit number B68239

B. POLICE CHIEF

C. COMMISSIONERS VIII. ADJOURNMENT The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary at 763/706-3611 to make arrangements. (TDD/763-706-3692 for deaf only.)

U N A P P R O V E D OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2017

CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Ed Carlson at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Commissioners Ed Carlson, Brian Clerkin, Kevin Doty, Nick Novitsky, and Leonard Olson Staff Present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer Lenny Austin, Police Captain Sue Schmidtbauer, Public Works Secretary Council Liaison: Not present APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Olson, seconded by Clerkin, to approve the minutes of December 5, 2016, as presented. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING: ONE HOUR PARKING ON 40TH AVENUE ADJACENT TO 332 40TH AVENUE NE

Residents present: Danny Bakri At the Traffic Commission meeting in December, Commissioners called for a public hearing to designate “ONE HOUR PARKING, 7:00 AM TO 9:00 PM” on the south side of 40th Avenue adjacent to 332 40th Avenue NE. Mr. Ziyad Bakri is the owner of a new convenience store at 332 40th Avenue NE (west half of the building at 334 40th Avenue NE). For the ease of his customers, Mr. Bakri requested a 30 minute time limit for two on-street parking spaces adjacent to the store. The Traffic Commission revised the parking designation to one hour for consistency with other locations in Columbia Heights. Motion by Olson to recommend the City Council designate ONE HOUR PARKING, 7:00 AM TO 9:00 PM for two on-street parking spaces on the south side of 40th Avenue adjacent to 332 40th Avenue NE. Seconded by Clerkin. Motion passed unanimously. Carlson informed Mr. Bakri that this item will go to council on Monday, February 13th, and encouraged him to attend the meeting in case there are questions. OLD BUSINESS None OTHER OLD BUSINESS None

Traffic Commission Minutes –February 6, 2017 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS None OTHER NEW BUSINESS None REPORTS CITY ENGINEER Young advised that she checked out the missing stop sign at 43-1/2 Avenue and Pierce Street. The sign that faces Pierce Street states “all way stop”. However, there is a sign missing on 43-/12 Avenue. She is questioning if the Traffic Commission like to look into if the neighborhood is agreeable to removing the two signs on 43-1/2 Avenue and leaving the one sign on Pierce Street. This is a “T” intersection and it’s unclear how long the one sign has been gone. Young advised that the Commission can call for a public hearing or she can send a letter to residents within 300 feet of the stop sign. Doty questioned the proper procedure. Novitsky stated the sign has been missing for a while. Commissioners agreed that we should send letters and if there is no objection, remove the stop signs on 43-1/2 Avenue. POLICE CHIEF None COMMISSIONERS Carlson questioned if it is in the budget to put red tape /stripes on all the stop sign poles. Young advised this is only put on stop signs where there is non-compliance and/or neighbors have approached the city. If we put it on all signs it may not be as effective. Apparently councilmember Williams asked Carlson to visit this again in reference to the intersection at 43rd Avenue and Cleveland Street. After discussion, the Commission agreed if you overuse the markings, they will lose their effectiveness. Young feels it is more appropriate for heavily traveled areas rather than residential neighborhoods. However, she will check out this intersection. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Doty, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sue Schmidtbauer Public Works Secretary

MINNESOTA MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES FEBRUARY 2015 The MUTCD guidelines for installing STOP or YIELD signs at intersections are listed below:

Engineering judgment should be used to establish intersection control. The following factors should be considered:

A. Vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic volumes on all approaches; B. Number and angle of approaches; C. Approach speeds; D. Sight distance available on each approach; and E. Reported crash experience.

YIELD or STOP signs should be used at an intersection if one or more of the following conditions exist:

A. An intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule would not be expected to provide reasonable compliance with the law;

B. A street entering a designated through highway or street; and/or C. An unsignalized intersection in a signalized area.

In addition, the use of YIELD or STOP signs should be considered at the intersection of two minor streets or local roads where the intersection has more than three approaches and where one or more of the following conditions exist:

A. The combined vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian volume entering the intersection from all approaches averages more than 2,000 units per day.

B. The ability to see conflicting traffic on an approach is not sufficient to allow a road user to stop or yield in compliance with the normal right-of-way rule if such stopping or yielding is necessary; and/or

C. Crash records indicate that five or more crashes that involve the failure to yield the right-of-way at the intersection under the normal right-of-way rule have been reported within a 3-year period, or that three or more such crashes have been reported within a 2- year period.

YIELD or STOP signs should not be used for speed control.

1

Kathy Young

From: Donna SchmittSent: Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:14 PMTo: Kathy YoungSubject: FW: One-Way Streets in Columbia Heights

Kathy,  Would you add this discussion to the Traffic Commission agenda for the next time they meet?  Donna Schmitt  

From: Sally Whittaker [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2017 2:08 PM To: Donna Schmitt; John Murzyn Jr; Nick Novitsky; Connie Buesgens; Robert Williams Subject: One-Way Streets in Columbia Heights I believe that Columbia Heights needs to look at streets that are designated as one-ways. Monroe Street is designated one way from 40th to 42nd. I understand that was probably done while the First Lutheran Church was there and had a good sized congregation. I currently live on 43rd and Monroe, and when I take our dog for walks up Monroe towards 40th, I have seen traffic turn from 40th north onto Monroe. There no longer is any reason for that to remain a one-way designation. On Monday, July 10, a person (the 6th so far this year) turned onto Monroe from 40th and passed 41st and continued on Monroe, even with the “Do Not Enter” signs staring in his face. Now either he can’t read or he doesn’t care. And as long as the city doesn’t care, they may as well change the two blocks back to two-way traffic. Just a thought... Sally Whittaker 4349 Monroe Street NE

 Disclaimer: Information in this message or attachment may be government data and thereby subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act; may be subject to attorney‐client or work product privilege; may be confidential, privileged, proprietary, or otherwise protected. The unauthorized review, copying, retransmission, or other use or disclosure of the information is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please immediately notify the sender of the transmission error and then promptly delete this message from your computer system. 

1

Kathy Young

From: Polly Philblad <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, October 23, 2017 8:22 PMTo: Kathy YoungSubject: Dangerous intersection

I live very near to the uncontrolled intersection at Madison St., NE and 42nd.  Last night Sunday October 22 there was yet another accident at this intersections of people going through without yielding or stopping because there is no sign to indicate to do so.    On May 5, 2017 there was injury accident at the same intersection and a young man was sent via ambulance to the hospital unconscious.  I am willing to attend a meeting to discuss the serious issue. Polly Philblad 4151 Madison St NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 763‐232‐0492  Sent from my iPhone 

1

Kathy Young

From: Emily Engelhard <[email protected]>Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 8:31 AMTo: Kathy YoungSubject: Traffic Commission Nov. Meeting

Hi, Kathy, I am going to try to attend the next Traffic Commission meeting to put in my support for installing stop signs at certain intersections in the neighborhood, particularly Madison and 42nd, which seems to be a hotspot for accidents. I myself do not feel safe crossing some of these streets, walking or driving, and I worry about children especially. Thank you, Emily Meyers Columbia Heights Resident 612-499-2907

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION 

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016  CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Ed Carlson at 5:30 p.m. 

    ROLL CALL   Members present:    Commissioners Ed Carlson, Brian Clerkin, Kevin Doty, Nick Novitsky and        Leonard Olson       Staff Present:    Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer       Lenny Austin, Police Captain       Sue Schmidtbauer, Public Works Secretary    Council Liaison:  Donna Schmitt         APPROVAL OF MINUTES    Motion by Olson, seconded by Doty, to approve the minutes of February 1, 2016, as presented. Motion 

passed unanimously.  

OLD BUSINESS None        OTHER OLD BUSINESS None            NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF MADISON STREET AND 42ND AVENUE 

 Ms. Nicole Miller has  requested YIELD or STOP  signs at  the  intersection of Madison Street and 42nd Avenue.   Her concern  is  lack of  traffic control and  the number of accidents/near misses at this intersection.    Visibility at the  intersection  is  fair.   There  is a small hill  in the southwest quadrant that partially blocks visibility for eastbound and northbound traffic.    On Madison Street, traffic stops at 41st Avenue and 43rd Avenue.  On 42nd Avenue, traffic stops at Jefferson Street and Quincy Street.    The number of  traffic accidents  is approaching  the MMUTCD guidelines of  five crashes within a three‐year period and three crashes within a two‐year period.    Residents present:  Nicole Miller, 4244 Madison Street  Ms. Miller states there are lots of young children in the area as well as a bus stop.  Doty stated he was there in the afternoon and there were not many cars.  Olson drove through on the way to the meeting.   He does not see a problem with the  intersection  if you drive  like you’re supposed to‐‐ slow down,  look all directions, and drive at a  reasonable  speed.   The  intersection  is clear  in all 

Traffic Commission Minutes –August 1, 2016   Page 2 

directions.   Ms. Miller agreed the  intersection  is clear but stated most people do not slow down and look in all directions.  When they came to look at their home two years ago it was winter.  She drove slowly through the intersection and almost got hit because she didn’t know there wasn’t a signal.  She walks her dog and baby at least 2‐3 times a day and sees drivers that don’t know they should  slow  down.    She  does  not  feel  the  intersection  is  safe  for  pedestrians,  drivers,  or  kids getting  off  the  bus.    Clerkin  stated  he’s  been  through  that  intersection  many  times  and unfortunately many drivers don’t seem to know how to follow the basic rules of etiquette when driving. Olson agreed.  Normal drivers drive  through  the  intersection  carefully and observe all directions.  Ms. Miller feels normal drivers do not slow down and look all directions.  Olson stated any  driver  should  slow  down  in  that  type  of  neighborhood,  especially  at  an  uncontrolled intersection.   Ms. Miller disagrees.    She  feels normal drivers only  slow down  if  there’s  signage telling them to slow down.  Olson stated an uncontrolled intersection is something alerting drivers to  slow down.   Ms. Miller disagrees.   She does not  look east and west when going  through an intersection; she looks forward and behind her and stops or slows down only if there is a yield or stop sign in front of her.  She does not believe she should have to look all directions when coming to  an  intersection.    She  feels  strongly  about  safe  roads  and  feels  there  should  be  a  signal  so everyone is not slowing down to 10 mph to look in all directions. Carlson stated he goes through that intersection quite often and feels it is normal for driving.  He does not see a reason for a stop sign.  He also stated drivers should not trust any intersection; he slows down for all intersections, whether there’s a stop sign, yield sign, or if it’s uncontrolled.  Ms. Miller questioned why we have uncontrolled intersections. Doty advised that if every corner had a stop sign, drivers would run them because eventually they get tired of stopping at each one.  In the winter vehicles would also rear‐end each other by trying to slow down to stop.   Novitsky stated there are plenty of uncontrolled  intersections around, not  just  in Columbia Heights.     Ms. Miller  is concerned about newcomers and visitors and the children near the  intersection and at the bus stop.   Carlson advised Ms. Miller she should  look  in all directions when driving through uncontrolled  intersections.    Novitsky  stated  drivers  should  know  if  there  is  an  uncontrolled intersection by driving the speed limit and being aware.  Ms. Miller questioned how to tell who’s at fault  if there  is an accident.   Captain Austin stated  if two vehicles approach an  intersection at the same time the vehicle on the  left should yield to the vehicle on the right.    If  the police can make a determination from the impact, then they can say who’s at fault.  Unfortunately there will always be crashes, even with  stop  signs.   Captain Austin also explained another  reason  for not putting up too many stop signs is to maintain traffic flow.  Schmitt stated we’ve added stop and yield signs over the  last few years  in this area and  it  looks like the stop signs are working better at preventing accidents than the yield signs.  She stated that when adding  signage we may want  to  consider putting up a  stop  sign  rather  than a yield  sign.  Doty explained in most cases residents wanted a yield sign rather than a stop sign or the decision was  based  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Traffic  Commission.    Schmitt  stated  there  is  no consistency with the signs and it may be upsetting going from signage to an intersection without signage.   Carlson  sees no benefit  to a  stop  sign and  feels  it would make  this  intersection more dangerous.  Motion by Carlson to deny the request for STOP signs at the  intersection of Madison Street and 

Traffic Commission Minutes –August 1, 2016   Page 3 

42nd  Avenue.    Seconded  by  Doty.    Carlson  requested  a  roll  call.    All  ayes.    Motion  passed unanimously.   Carlson advised Ms. Miller that there  is an appeal process.   Schmitt also advised that there have been  four accidents at  this  intersection and  if  there  is another one  it will meet  the  criteria  for installing a stop sign.  Not all accidents are reported so advised Ms. Miller to call 911 if she sees or hears an accident  so  it’s on  record.   Ms. Miller asked  if  she could get a  list of accidents at  the intersection.  Captain Austin advised a record of reported accidents is available.  

B. REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF 7th STREET AND 43RD AVENUE  Mr.  William Obert has requested STOP signs at the intersection of 7th Street and 43rd Avenue.  His concern is the number of near misses at this intersection due to limited visibility and the speed of traffic.      The Traffic Commission reviewed this intersection in 2011.  At that time, Commissioners did not approve YIELD signs.  It was felt that the majority of the accidents were during the winter months (slippery conditions) or had extenuating circumstances.  The intersection is at the top of a hill.  Visibility is limited until near the intersection, and then it is good.  Within  the  last  three years  there have been  two accidents  in 2014 and one accident  so  far  in 2016.  With all recent accidents, one vehicle was travelling northbound.    A speed survey was done by the Police Department in 2015.  The average speed on 7th Street for northbound traffic was 21 mph.  Young noted she receives the most concerns/letters about this intersection.   On 7th  Street,  traffic yields at 41st Avenue and  stops at 44th Avenue.   On 43rd Avenue,  traffic stops at 5th Street and Jefferson Street.     Olson can understand northbound traffic up to the crest of the hill being surprised, but if drivers use  common  sense  and drive  like  they’re  supposed  to  it’s easy  to  slow down.   Novitsky  feels there’s proper  visibility  to establish  if  there’s a  stop  sign.   Doty questioned why one  street  is narrow and one  is offset.   He can see a problem  there.   Placing a  stop  sign would be  tricky‐‐‐putting it on top of the hill would cause drivers to run it in the winter.  Clerkin feels there should be no problem with  the  intersection  if you drive  safely.    If you  live  in Minnesota you need  to learn how to drive in the winter.  If you put a stop sign at the top of the hill vehicles will get stuck and/or slide down  into  the cars behind  them. A stop sign will cause more problems.   Captain Austin agreed; drivers are surprised when they drive through that intersection but there aren’t a lot of options.  Olson feels the intersection is treacherous enough that vehicles do slow down and look around.   When asked where  the most  complaints  come  from, Young advised  it  is mostly from neighbors.   Clerkin stated drivers education teaches the car on the left yields to the car on the right and to slow down at uncontrolled  intersections.   Schmitt agrees  it’s a bad corner but 

Traffic Commission Minutes –August 1, 2016   Page 4 

unsure what the commission can do.    Motion by Olson  to deny  the  request  for a  stop  sign at  the  intersection of 7th Street and 43rd Avenue  based  on  lack  of  accidents  and  that  this  intersection  was  reviewed  by  the  Traffic Commission  in 2011.    It  is a  little surprising at first but vehicles need to slow down, a stop sign will not help.  Seconded by Clerkin.  Motion passed unanimously. 

     OTHER NEW BUSINESS 

None      REPORTS  

A. CITY ENGINEER An Open House was held for the rework of 37th Avenue from Central Avenue to Stinson Boulevard.  A grant has been submitted for two‐way traffic, one lane in each direction; bike lanes, and a sidewalk on each side of the street.  Schmitt asked why we don’t do something like Silver Lake Road where’s there’s controlled traffic at the corners and parking on the sides because there are so many homes on 37th Avenue.   Young stated there’s not a lot of discussion about losing parking on 37th Avenue because most residents don’t park there.      

B. POLICE None  

       C. COMMISSIONERS 

Doty  inquired  about  putting  up  a  seasonal  “Turtle Crossing”  sign  from May  to  July  on  either  49th Avenue and/or Innsbruck Parkway to warn drivers about turtles crossing the road.  The turtles leave Highland Lake  to  lay eggs  from May  to  July and many of  them get  run over.   He would  like  to see some type of signage.  Other cities put up seasonal signs for this type of thing.  He would like to send Young a picture of the “Duck Crossing” sign used by St. Anthony.  Young stated she will discuss it with the Public Works Director but seasonal signs are somewhat difficult.  We can look at it for next year.  Olson brought up the left turn signal on eastbound 53rd onto Central Avenue.  Young stated there is no change.  She did bring some traffic counts as they had talked about changing the dedicated right turn lane to allow through traffic.  However the traffic counts show there is very little through traffic but a lot of right turn traffic. 

     ADJOURNMENT   Motion by Carlson, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m.  Motion passed unanimously.    Respectfully submitted,     Sue Schmidtbauer   Public Works Secretary 

1

Kathy Young

From: Jennifer Laine <[email protected]>Sent: Monday, October 23, 2017 12:38 PMTo: Kathy YoungSubject: Traffic Commission - agenda item

Hi. I’m hoping the traffic commission can discuss the uncontrolled intersection at 7th Street and 43rd Avenue (as well as any other uncontrolled intersections that have had accidents recently) at the 11/6 meeting. I once almost got into an accident over there and just the other day my boyfriend was struggling with driving on that street (and he’s a relatively competent guy). Now that we have Community Grounds and Millers and Sarnas in that area traffic on those roads has increased, many of those drivers are not from Heights or used to uncontrolled intersections, and the likelihood that the drivers will have been drinking has also increased. It is not common knowledge or instinctively natural to put on the break when driving unless there is a yield or stop sign telling the driver to do so. I do not think we need to have signs at every intersection but I do think we should have signs (yield or stop) at every intersection near a bar. I do not have any data about which uncontrolled intersections have had accidents but I trust the city is equipped to gather that information from the police department. Thanks for your time. : ) Jennifer Laine 4537 Jefferson 763-242-1061 cell Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone