Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/21/2014

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Chairperson Backous inquired about yellow flashing left turn signals. He questioned why Ramsey does not have them. City Engineer Westby responded most of the signal systems in Ramsey cannot accommodate that technology. There would be a very high cost to adapt the existing systems to handle that. He said the newer signals are set up to accommodate that in the future. He explained that most the signal systems in Ramsey do not meet the traffic threshold that would require the flashing yellow light. Mn/DOT is evaluating some of the intersections, including the intersection at Hwy 47 and Bunker Lake Boulevard. Public Works Superintendent Riemer raised the issue of traffic control at 146t Street and Iodine. This past August, residents in that area came forward to ask for help in traffic control. He noted Staff has studied it, and the traffic volumes are quite low. There is now a petition of 30 plus names, which meets the qualifications for the City to consider. Staff has gone out to look at the intersection, and found that it is difficult to see until you reach the top of the hill. This case will be brought back next month to request a 3 -way stop. City Engineer Westby indicated Staff would like to consider a better process for these situations. It would be beneficial to have a clear policy to follow in any future requests. While there is criteria for traffic engineers to follow for sight line obstruction, Staff would like clearer direction in the policy. He said they will bring the policy back for consideration when this case is brought back. Chairperson Backous inquired if the citizens will be invited to the meeting in November. Public Works Superintendent Riemer replied the citizens will be notified the City is looking at this, and will be notified when it is on the agenda. City Administrator Ulrich gave an update on a recent meeting with the City of Anoka, the County and Mn/DOT officials. The City of Anoka had brought forth a plan to move forward on their joint project. They have agreed that work on the Armstrong Boulevard and Highway 10 should be first in the overall plan. It was agreed that the stoplights at Thurston Avenue and Fair Oaks Avenue would be worked on next. He said he was seeking verification from this Committee that the lights at Thurston and Fair Oaks should be eliminated, and discussion of the impacts to the economic environment. He said if there was opposition to this, he would like to know. He noted the total cost to move these projects forward, including the Thurston overpass is approximately $40 million. He indicated the City of Anoka would like to consider an overpass at Fair Oaks Ave., however that is not included as part of the study currently. He stated he attended a follow up meeting with administration from the cities of Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Andover where they discussed forming a working group that would primarily be staff based. There would be the option of have a meeting with the elected officials. This is in the process of being formed, and it will be brought before the respective Councils for action in November. He explained it is important for the cities to work together to move Highway 10 along. He noted the Public Works Committee / October 21, 2014 Page 7 of 9