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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.05.2009• COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 5, 2009 4:45 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt, Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper. Moved by Welper, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Noel Anderson, stated that city staff from Engineering, Traffic and Planning have been working for quite some time with INRCOG and the Iowa Department of Transportation. Mr. Anderson stated that a committee comprised from members of the Chamber and Black Hawk County has been developed. He spoke about the future design changes, traffic pattern, etc. to the University Avenue corridor. Mr. Anderson stated that a representative of AECOM had a power point presentation of what the city has been working on. Mr. Anderson stated that the committee felt this was the next step in the process in having the council look at it, on what is being discussed and make changes to that corridor before going to the public with presentations. Bob Lentz, AECOM representative, gave a quick overview and power point on the traffic study of University Avenue. Mr. Lentz stated that the study runs from Highway 58 in Cedar Falls to Highway 63 in Waterloo. He stated the project began over a year ago and has involved a lot of coordination with several people. Mr. Lentz stated there was a public meeting here last year where a traffic analysis evaluation was done. He stated that it has come to a point where a public meeting can be held on October 27, 2009 where a presentation of what University Avenue changes will take place and questions from public can be answered. He expanded on the entire process of which they started with a survey of approximately 150 residents and businesses along University Avenue. Mr. Lentz state that some concerns were sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle facilities. A study was then done on the traffic volume of University Avenue. Mr. Lentz stated that starting at the west end of University Avenue there's about 18,000 vehicles that travel that route per day, and just east of Fletcher Avenue the traffic drops down to about 7,000 vehicles per day. Mr. Lentz stated that over the last ten years across various segments of University, a slight downward trend of traffic volume has been noticed. He stated that based on that starting point, a number of alternatives have been sought. The study looked at lane requirements on whether the change should consist of six or four lanes in various segments, bicycles, pedestrians. Mr. Lentz expanded on intersection layouts, enhancements and recommendations on how to handle various activities on University Avenue. He then spoke of the pros and cons of placing roundabouts on University Avenue. Mr. Lentz presented intersections that they feel would need continued signalization due to several factors that were considered. He spoke on the pros and cons on the shifting of roads to set the frontage roads back to help with traffic flow. He concluded with the presentation by expanding on the enhancements, features and details that are included in the report with details regarding the University Avenue study. Mr. Lentz stated there is a public informational meeting set for October 27, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the AEA267 location on Cedar Heights Drive. Mayor Pro Tem asked what the Iowa Department of Transportation's timeline is for the project from start to finish. Mr. Lentz stated that he was unsure if they had a set timeline at the moment, but he figured that it would be a 5 year plan in order to cover all aspects of the study. Noel Anderson asked about changes to lanes in the study. Mr. Lentz expanded on the locations on the two lane and four lane concept. Councilperson Welper noted that he felt the study was supposed to help the emergent along University Avenue. He stated that he doesn't see where this study is helping with that aspect and only sees changes to the street. Mr. Welper stated that he doesn't see how this will also help the businesses along this street. Council Work Session October 5, 2009 Page 2 Mr. Lentz stated that he thinks that the businesses along there may have their own ideas that will help in their particular business. There have been studies done in regards to access to businesses along that particular part of University Avenue. He stated that with better access to these businesses, it would draw more favorable business to them. Councilperson Welper asked about the proposed speed limit. Mr. Lentz stated that it would be less that 45 mph because of the general layout of the street. Noel Anderson stated that opening up certain access points will in turn open up potential out lots that the city and businesses will benefit from developmentally. Councilperson Greenwood asked about the public's input on the desire for more bike traffic on University Avenue. Mr. Lentz stated that on several of the questionnaires that were returned, there was a great interest from a lot of the business owners on the use of bike trails. The questionnaires from the general public also noted an interest of the use of bike trails along University Avenue. Noel Anderson stated that there is a need for more pedestrian walkways and trails in this area. He expanded on uniformed pedestrian walkways and trails along Highway 63 and Highway 58. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Getty that the meeting be adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Carol Failor Deputy City Clerk