Minutes - Public Works Committee - 07/15/2008

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COMMITTEE BUSINESS City Administrator Ulrich noted that since Councilmember Look has not been designated by the Council to officially serve on the Public Works Committee, he recommended that Councilmember Look not make any motions during tonight's meeting. Case #1: Consider Authorization to Expand Municipal Center Conference Room City Administrator Ulrich noted that Building Maintenance Supervisor Dan Bray was held up in traffic and suggested postponing Case #1 until he arrives. Case #2: Consider Request for Stop or Yield Sign at the Intersection of Hedgehog Street and 155th Lane City Engineer Jankowski stated that the City received a petition from residents requesting either a stop sign or a yield sign be placed at this intersection. He stated that staff has reviewed the accident history, traffic counts and sight distance considerations. He stated that there has been one accident in the last five years. He stated that the speed analysis showed that most people either were obeying the speed limit or obeyed it because the speed trailer was present. He stated that they did discover some of the sight lines are obstructed. He stated that staff is recommending that the City install a yield sign for the north and south leg and try to do something within our right of way to limit the hindrances to the sight lines. He stated that they plan to contact property owners in the area to work with them on getting cooperation to improve the sight distances. Vice-Chair Deben asked if the City received cooperation in improving the sight lines, whether the yield sign would still be needed. City Engineer Jankowski stated that he sees the yield sign as a tool to help get cooperation from residents. Vice-Chair Dehen stated that there are specific guidelines from Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MNMUTCD) and their information shows that sometimes signs cause more trouble ifthere isn't sufficient traffic load. He asked if the City would incur any liability if these signs aren't really needed, because of low traffic counts. City Engineer Jankowski stated that once the right of way is cleared, he still thinks there will be obstructions to the view, but he hopes this will create a better situation than currently exists. Vice-Chair Dehen asked if there have been issues with private property owners not wanting to clear the obstructed views. City Engineer Jankowski stated that the City has never forced the issue of clearing obstructions. He stated that he is anticipating that the Council will want to use a cooperative approach rather than a confrontational approach. Public Works Committee I July 15,2008 Page 2 of 13