Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/21/2008

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Public Works Director Olson stated that the skew of the intersection would still have site restrictions, and thinks that together with a stop sign it would be much safer. He stated that staff will contact the property owner of the trees to try work with them to correct the site line issues. Councilmember Dehen asked what the City's rights, if any, are to go onto private property to ensure proper sight lines. Chair Elvig stated that the City could cut off all the branches that are in the sight lines, but couldn't cut down the tree, if it is on private property. Public Works Director Olson confirmed that if they overhang the right of way, the City has the right to get rid of the obstruction. Councilmember Dehen asked if there was a situation where the tree is on the private property, not the right of way, whether the City had the right to come in and cut. City Engineer Jankowski stated that there is a Vision Clearance Ordinance that gives the City some authority, and noted that for pre-existing issues there is a procedure to follow. Councilmember Dehen stated that he was asking out of curiosity more than anything else. Public Works Director Olson stated that in most cases when there is a safety issue, property owners have been cooperative. He stated that the petition wanted to put in stop signs to slow people down, but the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MNMUTCD) specifically prohibits stop signs being put in for that purpose, however stop signs can be allowed for sight distance reasons. Chair Elvig stated that he thinks what staff is suggesting is a good idea. Amy Asche, 5501 l46th Avenue, stated that she has a 5 and 10 year old and would appreciate the stop sign being there. She stated that she hopes this doesn't require the neighbor's tree to be cut down, because that wasn't their intent. Chair Elvig stated that his position is not to tie the stop sign to the tree, so he doesn't think it will be an issue. He stated that there also won't be a sidewalk tied to the stop sign either. Ms. Asche, stated that she doesn't think it is neighbors speeding through, but people cutting through the area. Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Councilmember Dehen, to recommend to the Council that a stop sign be posted on the west leg of the intersection of Fluorine Street and 146th Avenue, and that staff work with the homeowner that has the landscaping on the comer to see what can be done to minimize the impact to site lines. Further Discussion: Councilmember Dehen stated that he didn't understand what Councilmember Olson means by "work with the homeowner", City Engineer Jankowski stated Public Works Committee / October 21, 2008 Page 3 of 11