04-27-2020-R - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION—April 15, 2020 4 worked near the Valentine Hills Elementary School. He explained compliance levels were higher when the school speed zone was active only during school days. He commented further on how the school speed sign could be programmed. Commissioner Vijums stated he supported the proposed changes and indicated he appreciated the traffic studies that have been completed. He explained he did have concerns with the traffic entering and exiting the horseshoe drop off area. He inquired if this entrance would be changed. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom commented one of the challenges was for vehicles traveling eastbound and wanting to make a turn into the west parking lot entrance on the north side of the road, they were in a left turn lane which conflicted with the vehicles trying to turn into the parent drop off area (the horseshoe). He explained this was the primary motive for moving the west parking lot entrance to the west and aligning it with the parent drop off entrance. He indicated this would address the confusion of traffic exiting from the west parking lot. Commissioner Vijums indicated the restriping of the roadway would also help with traffic and pedestrian safety. He asked how the school was going to address the stacking of traffic along the roadway. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated these vehicles should not be stopped and were located in a "No Parking Zone". He stated a right hand turn lane would be added and vehicles would not be allowed to be parked in this area as they would be blocking traffic. He indicated the City would have to work with the Sheriff's Department on enforcement. Commissioner Vijums recommended "No Stopping" or "No Drop Off Area" signs be posted along this side of the roadway. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported these signs could be posted. Commissioner Vijums supported the City recommending "No Stopping" and "No Drop Off Area" signs be posted to address the parents that are parking along the roadway. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported "No Parking" signs were already in place and stated the school district was aware of this enforcement concern. He indicated additional enforcement would be necessary in order to educate parents. Commissioner Subramanian asked what the timeline was for this project and if there would be delays from the State of Minnesota. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented the State of Minnesota does have a backlog of 300 projects and noted conversations had begun between the State and the school district. He reported the State was in the investigative mode at this time. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated if negotiations with the State of Minnesota were not successful the realignment of the west parking lot entrance with the parent drop off could still be done without encroaching onto State property.