Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/15/2013

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5.01: Consider Stop Sign Request for Potassium Street and 143" Circle Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and petitioned request from residents living near the intersection of Potassium Street and 143r Circle for a stop sign at that intersection. He explained City policy requires five signatures from property owners within 500 feet of the traffic control modification and the petition as submitted did meet that criterion. Public Works Superintendent Riemer presented statistics relating to traffic counts, accident history, and warrants for stop signs. He stated staff feels this intersection does not warrant a stop sign at this time based on documented traffic volumes and accident history. Staff recommends the Public Works Committee deny the request for the installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Potassium Street and 143r Circle. Councilmember Riley agreed that if a stop sign is installed, it should be in the Circle, noting that is the flow of traffic. However, that is not what residents are requesting. Chairperson Backous referenced the traffic study and used a map to point out the location of this request. He noted that drivers need to assure the road is clear before exiting the cul -de -sac. Public Works Superintendent Riemer agreed but noted that when traveling at 30 mph, drivers do not want to make that stop. Councilmember Kuzma asked about the cost. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the stop sign and installation is about $200. He explained that the warrant for a three -way stop is 500 cars per hour for an eight -hour period, which is heavy traffic. He reviewed the locations of other stop signs in this area that were installed years ago at the direction of the Council. The Public Works Committee discussed the flow of traffic, open viewsheds, and other potential locations for stop signs. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to recommend that the City Council deny the request for the installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Potassium Street and 143r Circle as it does not meet warrants. Further discussion: The Public Works Committee agreed with the suggestion of Chairperson Backous that this is a speeding problem, not a stop sign problem, and to ask the Police Department to do additional patrol during peak hours. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Backous, Councilmembers Riley and Kuzma. Voting No: None. The Public Works Committee discussed its support for a policy addressing these types of situations (stop sign requests that do not meet warrants) to have staff ask the Police Department to conduct additional patrols. Public Works Committee / October 15, 2013 Page2of4