HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11/05/2018 COUNCIL WORK SESSION
November 5, 2018
4:50 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Klein, Amos, Schmitt, and Juon. Absent: Jacobs
Moved by Schmitt seconded by Amos that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice-vote
Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of proposed geometric configuration for Northbound Ansborough Avenue
at Downing Avenue.
Sandie Greco, Interim Public Works Director, introduced Mike Dryden with Ament Design.
Mike Dryden, Ament Design, explained that the engineers have met with businesses, especially
Tuffy, about acquisitions and how the project will impact businesses. He explained that the lane
width and curb and gutter width will be reduced and storage will be minimized in order to reduce
the impact to area businesses.
Mrs. Juon questioned if he has talked with Tuffy to see if they are agreeable with the proposed
plans.
Mike Dryden explained that they have given plans to the manager and franchise owner. He
explained that they have not yet expressed objections to the plans.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if street work is planned for both sides of Ansborough, or just the east
side.
Mike Dryden explained that it is only the east side, however there will be new signals and
improvements to the handicapped ramp on southeast corner.
Mr. Schmitt commented there may be fewer concerns if property from the west side could be
utilized.
Mike Dryden explained why widening the east side of Ansborough worked best for the project.
Mr. Schmitt commented that he saw something on the news that in either Cedar Rapids or Iowa
City they were planning to reduce four lanes down to three and it got voted down but was not
sure if it had anything to do with the size reduction of the lanes.
Mike Dryden explained that lane reduction is fairly common but it does depend on many things,
including traffic count.
Mrs. Klein questioned if this work is to avoid a small jog in the road.
Mike Dryden explained that the project is part of the ICAP grant to improve traffic flow and add
a center turn lane.
Mrs. Klein commented that she is concerned with the impact to the businesses.
Mike Dryden explained they have spoken with the businesses and he does not anticipate any
negative impact.
Mr. Amos questioned if the driving force behind the change is that Tuffy did not have enough
room for their driveway and if this proposed plan is a solution for their concerns.
Mike Dryden confirmed.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if a safety study has been executed for this design.
Page 2
Mohammad Elahi, Traffic Engineer, explained that safety started the project. He stated there
were a lot of injury accidents when cars were turning north onto Ansborugh from Downing
Avenue. Signals were sequentially timed which caused significant delays, so ultimately, a left
hand turn pocket was determined to be the best solution.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Schmitt seconded by Amos that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Voice-vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Kelley Felchl
City Clerk