Agenda - Public Works Committee - 02/21/2012

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Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember McGlone to recommend to City Council for staff to explore alternative methods to screen the sun similar to the banners that were installed next to the temporary construction access and not spend $43,325 to provide sun screens. Also, to explore chain link connection between the internal ramps resulting in a change order on the Contract for $15,911. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Backous and Councilmembers Elvig and McGlone. Case 5.5 Consider Crosswalk Signage Options along Sunwood Drive in the COR City Engineer Himmer reviewed in the staff report that with the recent opening of the VA and The Falls Cafe there has been a few pedestrians that like to cross Sunwood Drive at Sapphire Street. It was presented that we have an enforceable crosswalk in the location, which meets state standards. It was discussed a short term quick solution is to draw extra attention to this crosswalk would be to place in -ground pedestrian crossing sign, similar to what is on Alpine Drive today between Nowthen Boulevard and TH 47. Staff is proposing a couple low cost solutions to install an in -ground pedestrian crossing sign at the intersection of Sunwood and Sapphire, which could be removed in the winter for plowing activities, and purchasing a few kid alert safety signs, which could be moved throughout the COR and City. Councilmember Elvig stated he realizes the situation but placing anything permanent in the roadway he would be opposed to but anything that is temporary that can be moved around or taken out is fine with him. Councilmember McGlone agrees that less signage is better; to be putting these in is ugly. He asked if we are ever going to get traffic lights there and asked if this has been issue. Chairperson Backous stated it may be more of an issue with the VA, and wheelchair crossing and feels the problem is the curvature of the road there. City Administrator Ulrich wanted to follow up with Councilmember McGlone's concept; like they have on west main in Anoka, and you have bookends on the east and west ends where you place a sign on a post which you don't have to move seasonally, which would be another option. Councilmember McGlone comments were if he had to go with an option he would rather see an in -street sign placed in the middle of the road. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Chairperson Backous to recommend to City Council to move forward with staffs recommendation to purchase and install the kid alert safety signs and in -street pedestrian crossing signage with the COR, in an amount not to exceed $1,000. Public Works Committee / January 17, 2012 Page 6 of 8