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

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It shall be the golicy of the City to petition the Commissioner of Transportation, for an engineering and traffic investigation study, when presented with a citizen request for such a study. POSSIBLE !CONDITIONS WHEN THE CITY WOULDN'T SUPPORT A REQUEST.* Request for Watch for Children Signs ALTERNATIVE #1: (Current Policy and Staff Recommendation) The request for ~vatch for children and similar signs generally stem from parent's concern for their children's safety in the streets near their house. Unfortunately, the request is based on the widespread but false belief that traffic signs provide protection. There is no indication that signs of this type achieve the desired safety results. Since children live in virtually every neighborhood, and neighborho~ls can change dramatically in child population in relatively short time spans, sign could be postedlon virtually every residential block. In addition, if parents become less vigilant as a result of the~e signs being posted, they may actually be doing a disservice to children's protection. It is ~therefore the policy of the City to refrain from the posting of this type of sign. ALTERNATIVE #2: (Provides Some Control on the Proliferation of These Signs) The City shall l:~St watch for children signs on: (1) major residential streets at such locations near an intersection Wi'th State and County roads, and on MSA roadways which have direct access for residential lots. ~ ALTERNATIVE #3: (On a Case by Case Basis) The City shall post watch for children signs on a case by case basis as determined by the Road and Bridge Committ6e. ALTERNATIVE #4: (Upon Request) The City shall pq~st watch for children signs upon receipt of a neighborhood petition signed by (CHOOSE ON!g) (A) X% of the affected subdivision neighborhood; (B) Y signatures of neighborhood residents; or (C) Other Deaf Child Area Si_~n~ Deaf children can present traffic situations which can be truly defined as unexpected conditions which is an accepted warrant for posting a traffic warning sign. A motorist would reasonably expect a child to be aware of the presence of the vehicle, even ff the child were traveling in the same direction arid had no visual contact with the vehicle. However, the deaf child is totally unaware of the vehicle. While such children must eventually learn to cope in a hearing world, it is reasonable to offei' some degree of protection while the child is developing their skills. For this reason, it shall be the policy of the City to post "Deaf Child Area" signs upon written request of the p~ent. The request shall contain the child's age and certification ('FROM A PHYSICIAN) of his hearing disability. Two or three signs shall be posted within the vicinity of the child's home.~ The signs will generally be erected when the child is five years of age and removed after ago twelve, except that the signs may be retained an additional two years upon written request o~ the parent. (WOULD THE POLICY CONSIDER A COST SHARE OF A DEPOSIT ON SUCH A SIGN. THIS WOULD BE AN INCENTIVE TO NOTIFY THE ~ITY OF THE AVAILABILITY FOR REUSE IF THE FAMILY MOVES.)