Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/16/2004

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Mayor Gamec suggested this be discussed at a work session in the end of February, after the Councilmembers Elect are on board. Councilmember Elect Jeffreys stated the dates when the samplings were done are when school would not likely be in session, such as Thursday, October 16'\ which would be MEA. He would like the conversation to continue. There are kids and traffic guards out there waving red stop signs in a 55 mph zone. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to table the speed study on CSAH 5 between TH 47 and 167th Avenue, and to invite a representative of MnDOT to attend a meeting to discuss the issue. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Zimmennan, Mayor Camec and Councilmember Cook. Voting No: None. Absent: Council member Elvig. Case #4: Review Warning Sign Placement at 169tb Avenue and Neon Street City Engineer Jankowski reviewed that at the September 21,2004 Public Works Committee meeting a traffic concern regarding vehicles leaving the roadway at this ninety degree bend resulted in the placement of warning signage alerting motorists to this situation. Additionally there was concern over the speed at which drivers were approaching this intersection and it was felt that the warning signs may have an affect on slowing traffic. Warning signs were posted as illustrated in Figure 1 and speed surveys were taken before and after the posting of the warning signs utilizing the Police department's "Smart Trailer." Staff has also received a request from Mr. Scott Baumgartner who resides at 5850 I 69th Avenue, which is located at the southeast corner of the tee intersection of 1 69th A venue and Neon Street, to reconsider the placement of the signage citing aesthetic concerns. City Engineer Jankowski explained a comparison of the speed studies before and after the signing shows a decrease of three miles per hour in average maximum speed following the . posting. Although this data suggests that the signage may have a positive effect on reducing speed, further studies should be conducted to determine whether this is a long-tenn change. The information supplied by the second study also confirms that a very small percentage (1 %) of motorists continue to travel at an unreasonably high speed of greater than 40 miles per hour. He indicated included in the Committee's packet is a figure illustrating the placement of signage in the area ofthe intersection. Also included are three pages from the Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which discuss the use of warning signs that are available for this situation. Sign WI-! is an advance warning sign which has been posted on the north leg of this intersection. Spacing requirements preclude this sign from being placed on the east leg as it would need to be located in TH 47. There would be a choice of warning signs available for placement at the curve itself, the large arrow, WI-6, or the chevron, WI-8, could be used. The guidance section relating to the use of chevrons states that at least two chevrons should be in view until the change in alignment eliminates the need for the signs. He indicated staff will be reviewing the Public Works CommitteelNovember 16,2004 Page 7 of 12