Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/18/2012

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Dan Adams, 6090 145 Lane NW, stated he would highly recommend a four -way stop to slow the incredible speed of traffic. He stated a handful of tunes he has seen cars cross the hill with all four tires off the pavement, many close accidents, and thinks it is amazing there has not been a serious accident. Chairperson Backous thanked residents for their comments and relayed that he has experienced the same situation in his own neighborhood. He agreed that children go into the street, even . though warned, and he has viewed this neighborhood and supported installation of the four -way stop sign. Councilmember McGlone noted speeding traffic is a problem in many neighborhoods and previously, when the license plates were checked by the Police Department, it was found the speeding violators were the residents within that neighborhood. He encouraged neighbors to be aware of this situation and to make it safer. Councilmember McGlone stated he would support staff's recommendation to install a four -way stop sign. Councilmember Elvig clarified that a stop sign, if not warranted, does not slow the speed of traffic because then drivers roll through the stop sign. In that kind of situation, the stop sign creates a false sense of safety. He noted stop signs do increase traffic and tire noise, but in this case he supports staffs recommendation to install a stop sign. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember McGlone, to recommend that the City Council accept staff's recommendation to install a four -way stop at 145 Lane and Tungsten Way because of the limited sight distance caused by the grade differential at that intersection. Further discussion: Chairperson Backous agreed that stop signs do not help to slow the speed of traffic, referencing the two stop signs on McKinley Street in Anoka as a case in point. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Backous, Councilmembers Elvig, and McGlone. Voting No: None. 5.03: Consider Stop Sign Request at 152 Lane and Helium Street Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and petitioned request from residents in the neighborhood near the intersection of 152 Lane and Helium Street for a stop sign at that intersection. Chairperson Backous invited residents from this neighborhood to offer comments. No one responded. Motion by Councilmember McGlone, seconded by Chairperson Backous, to recommend that the City Council accept staff recommendation to not install stop signs at the intersection of 152 Lane and Helium Street because it does not meet the warrants outlined in the Manual on Uniform Public Works Committee / September 18, 2012 Page 3 of 16