04-24-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON APRIL 24, 1995 ( 92 - Old Beach Road - Continued) • Callahan said the Council was justified in temporarily closing Old Beach Road. He said that the Council does not have the right to instigate improvements on county roads but can only give advice when the county is making improvements. Callahan recognized the large amount of traffic being carried on CoRds 15 and 19 and the safety issues involved. It was noted that Old Beach Road has been closed due to high water in the past, and Callahan said he was well versed on the history of the road. Callahan said the road was designed as a residential road and is unable to handle the traffic volume. He noted the undersurface conditions with wetlands. The issue now is one of safety with the school bus incidents as reported. He also noted the use of the shoulders by cars for passing. Callahan said it was his inclination to leave the road closed but would like more information on the accidents on CoRds 15 and 19 from the Engineer and Police as well as information on the use of longer turn arrows at the intersection. Cook reported that the green arrow was very short causing cars to attempt turns on the yellow and red lights. Cook felt extending the time for the green arrow would improve the situation. Jerry Smirka of the Hennepin County Public Works, Traffic Operations Section, said he is in charges of signals. He noted that the information on the counters was correct; one did not work and the other could have double counted a portion of the cars. Regardless • of the counts, it was documented that there is a high volume of traffic on this residential street. Smirka said the City requested the turn signals at CoRd 15 and 19, and the intersection receives a high level of service as a "b" level interesection. He noted that the information on accidents received from the Public Works Dept was not current. • Smirka described the left turn arrows and how they worked at the intersection of CoRd 15 and 19. The left turn indicators were for westbound and northbound turns. This is similar to other intersections. The time clock installed in January of 1995 allows for 5 -6 seconds of green and 8 seconds on CoRd 19. The controlled use operates Monday - Friday, but not on weekends or from 7 p.m. -7 a.m. This was set up on a trial basis and changes can be made to improve the situation by the use of detector loops. A loop is used when demand shows the need and is asked for by the City. Smirka described the efficiencies, or lack of, with loops being installed in different directions. It was noted that Council Member Hurr will abstain from the vote on this rhatter. Hun was concerned with conflict of interest with her position as Planner for the City of Minnetonka Beach. 11