Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/18/2013

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5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS 5.01: Consider Stop Sign Request for 3 -Way Stop at Tiger Street and 171 Avenue Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and resident petition requesting a three -way stop sign at Tiger Street and 171 Avenue. He reviewed the guidelines followed for stop sign installation and existing conditions, noting the speed limit had been reduced to 30 mph based on resident request. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the speed trailer was used at this location today and tracked 319 vehicles with an average speed of 29.35 mph, one minimum speed of 11 mph, and one maximum speed of 46 mph. He presented staff's recommendation to not install the requested three -way stop sign at Tiger Street and 171 Avenue due to low traffic volumes and above average sight distances at the intersection. Chairperson Backous invited the public to make comment. Jim Iler, 17110 Tiger Street, stated their main objective is to control the traffic and not necessarily a stop sign. He felt that traffic slowed when a speed trailer was in use so it was not a good indicator of typical traffic speed. In addition, it was used for only a short period of time today. Mr. Iler stated most traffic follows the rules but sometimes it is like a drag strip with speeding vehicles so he is concerned about the safety of his two children. He stated the neighborhood would like the 30 mph speed limit on Tiger Street enforced. Public Works Superintendent Riemer explained that a stop sign is not used to control speed and studies have shown that if the stop sign is not warranted, drivers will ignore that traffic control so it adds more danger. Larry Murney, 17211 Tiger Street, stated traffic does not obey the existing stop sign now. He felt the traffic report information was not complete as there had been a rollover with fatality a few years ago. At that time, the speed limit had been 50 mph and 55 mph and then the neighbors got it down to 30 mph. He stated it is a drag strip used by kids at 70 mph so something needs to be done. Jessie Iler, 17110 Tiger Street, agreed that cars fly by and drivers use no common sense. She felt a stop sign or speed bump would require the drivers to slow down. She is also concerned with children having to cross to a school bus stop. Mr. Murney stated in the past a Police Officer stopped speeding motorcycles and let the cars go by. Chairperson Backous stated the Police Department enforces the speed limit and the City Council can ask the Police Chief how often they are in that area. Mr. Iler stated he has not seen them ticketing traffic and since speeders are not there all the time, it may be difficult to catch them. He stated if they had lived next to a freeway they would acknowledge that but this is to be a 30 mph roadway. Public Works Committee / June 18, 2013 Page 2 of 13