HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 16 - SpecialSpecial Meeting
Date:
Thursday, March 16, 2000
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Prior Lake Maintenance Center
17073 Adelmann Street
Subject:
Busse Property Youth Athletic Complex/Community Park Development
The City of Prior Lake and a' committee of township residents have been working to address
issues related to the development of the Youth Athletic Complex/Community Park on the
former Busse Property. One of the issues is the traffic impact resulting from the park'
development. On WedneSday, December 15, 1999 a meeting was conducted and a number
of questions were asked regarding the traffic concerns with the development of the Youth
Athletic Complex/Community Park.
On Thursday, March 16, 2000 representatives of the City, County, and TownShip will be
conducting a meeting to respond to the questions and comments which were raised at the
December '15th meeting. A map will also be presented which details the park location,
access roads and the improvements.
Attached you will find a list of the questions and concerns and a response to each. These
are the issues that we intend to address at this meeting.
Please feel free to call if you should have any questions.
Frank Boyles, City Manager 952-447-9801 (Administration)
Paul Hokeness, Parks and Recreation Director 952-447-9821 (Park Design & Scheduling)
Bud Osmundson, Public Works Director 952-447-9831 (Traffic.& Street Maintenance)
Bill O'Rourke, Police Chief 952-447-9861 (Enforcement)
16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
On December 15, 1999, a Public Meeting was concluded for residents living within a Yl mile
radius of the proposed park. Of the 300 households invited, 30+ residents attended the public
meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to explain the results of the traffic study to interested
residents and solicit input regarding improvements that could be made.to traffic safety in the
area once the Park is in operation. The traffic safety enhancements are shown on the attached
map keyed by number.
Shown below are the improvements requested by attendees of the December 15th meeting
and the actions the City will take in response to each request.
(1) How does the study account for parental drop-offs and pick-ups of children at
the Park?
The traffic generation figures were estimated using the Institute of Traffic Engineers
Trip Generation Manual and comparisons with The Ponds Park actual trip generation.
The traffic counts are estimates only and could vary by _+10%. This is a generally
accepted method of estimating traffic. These estimates are for peak use periods such
as weekend tournaments.
Park personnel have observed over many years that parental drop-offs and pick-ups of
children occur more frequently during practices which are typically during weekday
evenings. (non-peak usage). During tournaments and league games on weekends,
parents typically stay and watch the games which would not add to the trip generation.
Using this basis, the number of parental drop-offs/pick-ups would not have a significant
affect on the estimated traffic counts. When the park is fully operational, actual traffic
counts can be taken which will provide a more scientific basis for any additional traffic
remediation projects.
(2) Determine whether a stop sign can be installed at Mushtown and Maple
[stopping all three legs].
The City will request that the Township determine whether criteria are met for stop
signs in this area. If so, the City will provide and install the signs, but the Township will
be responsible for sign maintenance and traffic enforcement.
Busse Athletic Park- Traffic Safety Improvements
(3) Could additional directional signage be installed directing traffic from TH13 to
the park?
Yes. Directional signs will be installed along Duluth at TH13 to Tower and at Tower to
Toronto. Signs will also be installed at Panama and TH13 directing traffic to Tower and
Toronto. When the ring road is completed and when the CS^H 23 intersection is
reconfigured, directional signs will direct traffic to Toronto and 170th to access the
parks.
(4) What impact will the ring road have?
With appropriate directional signage, the ring road will actually help encourage traffic to
access the park via Toronto.
(5) Could the 30 mph zone on Mushtown Road be extended to the East (along the
gravel portion) to increase safety at the entrance?
Yes. The City will attempt to move this speed zone as far as possible to the east in
cooperation with the Township. Additional signage will be installed to advise motorists
and pedestrians.
(6) Could "30 mph" be printed on the roadway?
Yes. The City will complete and maintain the "30mph" markings west of the park
entrance on the blacktop segment of Mushtown.
(7) Could more consideration be given to pedestrians walking along Mushtown
Road westerly?
Yes, the City would be willing to evaluate trail costs within the City and program as
funding is available if the Township will do the same for the trail segments within their
corporate limits leading to CSAH 23.
(8) Would the City maintain or provide financial support for the maintenance of
Township road used to access the site?
Most of the roads accessing the site are City roads or have been upgraded at the
City's expense. The City currently completes the snow and ice control on Mushtown
Road from CS^H 23 to The Ponds park entrance even though half of the road is
Township responsibility. A written agreement on shared maintenance will be explored.
h\FRANI~NOTES\00\BUSSETRA. DOC
Busse Athletic Park - Traffic ~afety Improvements
(9) What can the City do to improve safety on Toronto Avenue at the Woodridge
Neighborhood Park?
The City will consider prohibiting parking on the east side of the street adjacent to
Woodridge park and will post more speed limit signs along Toronto.
(10)Could a blinking amber light be installed at the park entrance?
Amber blinking lights are not being considered at this time. After the park is in use,
traffic counts and experience may justify further consideration of this installation.
(11 )What other safety measures will the City take to improve the intersection?
The City will mark the crossing on the street. It will also place stop signs at the roads
and trails exiting the two parks at the crosswalk, and install "park entry ahead" type
signage as appropriate, all of which will be in conformance with the Uniform Traffic
Control Manual. A street light will also be installed at the intersection for night safety.
I:\FRANK~NOTES\00\BUSSETRA. DOC 3