Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/16/2004

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be almost landlocked. Chairperson Zimmerman clarified the % turn is not on the table at this time. Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised the only concern he would have is that staff was directed to get comments on a proposal that had certain medians to be closed. The action taken should either be for the closings or there should be a notice sent out of the change. Ms. Neuendorf stated MnDOT owns the property, and technically does not have to ask for a resolution. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Zimmerman, Mayor Gamec and Councilmember Cook. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Elvig. Further discussion: Chairperson Zimmerman indicated the businesses owners will need to have further discussion with MnDOT. Mayor Gamec stated he likes Ms. Neundorf's idea of the % turn, but they want the businesses to survive as long as they can. He would like to look at something else that could be done to make the road safer. Chairperson Zimmerman stated he somewhat disagrees. He appreciates Ms. Neundorf's comments in trying to get the semis in a turn lane into the business. The Highway Department is trying in this intermediate stage to work with these businesses. No one will come out a total winner with this, and it may be 20 years before there is a freeway. He stated semis cutting across traffic makes a dangerous situation. Case #3: Update on the Speed Study on CSAH 5 between TH 47 and 167th Avenue City Engineer Jankowski stated in 2003 the City had requested that a speed study be conducted on CSAH 5 to determine whether it would be appropriate to lower the speed limit along the developing segment ofNowthen Boulevard, particularly in the vicinity of Ramsey Elementary. This request was delivered to Anoka County, which in turn requested that MnlDOT perform this requested speed study. On July 6, 2004 MnlDOT transmitted a memo to the road authority, Anoka County, indicating that the reasonable and safe speed for the segment of CSAH.5 between TH 47 and 167th Avenue is 55 miles per hour. He explained there has been some concern over when the actual speed studies were conducted, with the feeling being that studies conducted during a summer period may not be appropriate considering the influence the school may have on speeds. Staff contacted Mn/DOT and was advised that their detenninations were based upon the following survey points and times: . Thursday, October 16, 2003 . Thursday, October 16, 2003 . Thursday, April 22, 2004 . Thursday, April 22, 2004 . Friday, May 7, 2004 1 :30 to 3:00 10:30 to 12:30 Iodine Street Ramsey Elementary School 200 ft s/o CR 57 Azurite Street 165th Lane 11 :00 to 12:30 City Engineer Jankowski indicated all of the sampling was done during periods when school is typically in session. Included in the Committee's packet are the filed sheets associated with the above speed surveys. This information was made available by the Anoka County Highway Department. He advised staff feels that it may be useful to invite a representative of MnDOT familiar with conducting speed studies to make a presentation and answer questions regarding the topic of establishing speed limits. Public Works Committee/November 16, 2004 Page 6 of 12