Agenda - Public Works Committee - 07/16/2013

Home

first step of having Police Officers enforce the speed limit. He thanked the residents for bringing forward this concern to the Council so it can be rectified. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to recommend that the City Council not install the requested three-way stop sign at Tiger Street and 171st Avenue due to low traffic volumes and above average sight distances at the intersection and direct the Police Department to increase enforcement for three months followed by three months of monitoring, such as the speed trailer. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Backous, Councilmembers Kuzma and Riley. Voting No: None. 5.02: Consider Improvements to Crosswalk at Armstrong Boulevard and 161st Avenue Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and recommendation to extend the crosswalk on the west side and connect it to 161st Avenue. He stated a resident in the area asked the City to install solar powered flashing lights to the crosswalk that could be activated by pedestrians to warn them that the crosswalk was being actively used. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated these systems are effective but cost $3,000 to $5,000 per location. In addition, this is a County maintained crosswalk so it would be their decision whether or not to invest in the lighting system. Councilmember Kuzma asked about the funding source. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the funding for the additional paving and culvert extension would be from the General Fund Budget, Cost Center 0311, and possible signage improvements could be covered by Anoka County Highway or General Fund Budget, Cost Center 0260. It was noted that staff recommends working with Anoka County to extend the pavement and culvert on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard to provide a paved surface for pedestrians to use and to leave the current crosswalk signage in place based on the low volume usage of the crosswalk on an average day. Councilmember Riley noted that again with this case, there are rules in place and the issue is one of enforcement. He suggested a Ramsey Resident article reminding drivers of the need to yield for pedestrians and to ask Anoka County if the trail can be extended into its right-of-way. Councilmember Riley noted a flashing light would draw the driver's attention. Chairperson Backous stated a Ramsey Resident article will not educate drivers from outside Ramsey. He stated he visited the area and found traffic was driving very fast. He noted Alpine Park has the same situation of cutting off residents from access and residents on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard should also be concerned with crossing, especially with children. Chairperson Backous agreed that a flashing light will get driver's attention and asked about funding. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the recommended fund is budgeted $24,000 at the beginning of the year and used for all signage. Public Works Committee / June 18, 2013 Page 4 of 13