Agenda - Council - 11/12/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT POLICY FOR PROCESSING CITIZEN REQUESTS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAGE AND TRAFFIC CALMING MODIFICATIONS Preamble: It is the goal of the City of Ramsey to address citizen requests for modification to traffic control signage and traffic calming modifications in a uniform manner consistent with legal requirements and relying on practical experience to ensure the requested modification achieves the desired goal. It both is the objective of this policy to set forth the procedure by which requests for traffic control modifications will be processed by the City, and also to provide supporting criteria and guidelines up0ri which specific requests will be evaluated. Specific traffic calming modifications covered by this policy shall include: stop signs, yield signs, ali-way stop signs, watch for children signs, deaf child signs, lower speed limits, street closure, and speed humps. As a general rule, the City shall attempt to minimize signage in order to (I) minimize taxpayer expense; (2) reduce visual clutter along City roadways; and (3) increase the visibility and effectiveness of signage which is deemed prudent and necessary. P_.r_2.c..~[Ikl2~ A request for any traffic calming measure shall be considered only if'made in writing and signed by the petitioners. The request shall also contain the address of all petitioners so that the written findings may be transmitted back to the petitioners. Each request shall be reviewed by a staffcommlttee comprised of the Chief of Police, City Engineer, and Public Works Supervisor or their designated representatives. A written summary of the staff committee's findings shall be transmitted to the Road and Bridge Committee. Following review and concurrence by the Road and Bridge Committee, the petitioners shall be advised in writing of the determination. If the Road and Bridge Committee is not unanimous in its support of a recommendation on the request; CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: (A) The issue shall be transmitted to the full City Council for a decision; (B) The request for the modification shall be denied; (C) The staff recommendations shall be implemented; or (D) Other. Requests for Stor) Signs, Yield Signs. and All-Way Stops Section 6.01 of City Ordinances adopts Minnesota Statute 169~ which in turn has incorporated the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (referred to as the "1991 MN MUTCD"). It shall be the policy of the City to evaluate requests for the above and frequently requested traffic control signs consistent with the criteria established in the "1991 MN MUTCD" or its latest revision. In addition, when other traffic signage requests are received which are addressed in the MUTCD manual, the guidelines of the manual will be adhered to in evaluating the requests. Requests for Speed Limit Signs and Lower Speed Limits It shall be the policy of the City to post speed limit signs where required by law, notably at points of change from one speed limit to another. Additionally, residential speed limit (30 mph) signs shall be posted on major subdivision streets near intersections with county or state highways. It should be noted that Minnesota State Laws allow municipalities to post speed limits of 30 mph in an urban district (defined as areas having dwellings spaced at intervals of less than 100 feet for a .d/stance of one-quarter mile) and other streets at 55 mph. Speed Limits under 30 mph are allowed ~n special zones such as school zones and alleyways. Other speed limits may be posted in 5 mph increments only upon the determination of the Commissioner of Transportation subsequent to an engineering and traffic investigation.