Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/15/2004

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Chairperson Zimmerman indicated the owners of the mall should be notified to let them know the City is asking MnDOT for an update. Assistant Public Works Director Olson questioned what the recommendation is of the Committee. He noted Councilmember Cook has indicated they should not signalize it, and the Police Chief is against it. The reason staff has recommended it as it is, is that they wanted to be a little sensitive to the places that just had their access to CR 116 cut off. Chairperson Zimmerman stated the study from MnDOT would give them the data they need. He commented the best thing might be to extend the median. He wants to get all the facts available before they make the decision and let the business owners know they are studying this. Councilmember Elvig stated it is important to get more data. He canno~ see shutting off that lane, as there is a lot of cross traffic. Councilmember Cook commented they might not want to ask the state to do a study if they are not considering putting a light in. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated if there was to be a stoplight installed the three lights could be synchronized. This would be meant to provide a safe passing for cross traffic. If drivers wait long enough they will take a chance, which they do. Councilmember Cook stated there are other intersections further north that are bigger problems for accidents, fatalities and injuries than this one, and they are not considering signalizing them. He does not want to slight the fact that a young girl was killed here, but he does not think that should be the reason for putting a light in an intersection. Several years ago a'child killed up by Le Tourneaus, and that intersection is not signalized. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated a signal warrant analysis was done of the intersection at Le Tourneaus and it did not come out in favor of a signal. Councilmember Cook stated this intersection should be left alone until they have the possibility to do something right, rather than just a knee jerk reaction. Public Works Director Kapler stressed that an intersection can be made safer, but not safe. In 2003 there were two fatalities at Highway 10 and Sunfish Boulevard. They can create a safer intersection, but they will not erase any problems in the future. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Chairperson Zimmerman, to recommend to the City Council that a signal warrant study for the intersection be conducted, and that an analysis be prepared by MnDOT of how restricted left turns onto the highway could enhance safety. Further discussion: Councilmember Elvig commented he cannot believe they have explored all the different possibilities, such as a side road and different ways of doing this. He cannot see shutting off the access, which will render those two comers worthless. Chairperson Zimmerman Public Works Committee/June 15,2004 Page 8 of 17