Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/23/2017

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Patrick Surma stated that since the intersection of 161St and Armstrong has been improved the noise from the traffic has decreased. He stated that the speeds along Armstrong and 161" have increased and noted that the crosswalk in that location needs to be improved. He suggested a better lighting system, noting that the stop signs should be ringed with flashing lights. He believed that the City should be proactive to prevent a tragedy as the area has become more developed. Police Chief Katers agreed that is a busy intersection. He noted that lighting has been installed and as people see the lighting more they become used to it and it is not as efficient. He provided an example of a HAWK system which is used in another City but noted that is very expensive. He did share concern with the congestion and speed of traffic in that area. He stated that the City can do their part in terms of enforcement. He noted that staff can also speak with the County to determine if improvements can be made for the crosswalk. He stated that he has directed his staff to patrol the area of 161St and Variolite because of the concerns with traffic speeds. Mr. Surma suggested a pushbutton crosswalk that would trigger the lights, rather than having the lights on at all times as that would alert drivers only when people need to cross. He stated that ringing the stop sign would also help people to see the stop sign. Mayor Strommen noted that the Public Works Committee should further discuss this topic. She stated that perhaps they could also publish an article in the City newsletter to publicize safety as the community continues to develop. Councilmember Shryock stated that the intersection of 161st and Armstrong would be a good candidate for a pedestrian triggered signal to stop traffic when people need to cross. She stated that way it would not continually stop traffic, only as needed. Councilmember Kuzma cautioned that once a speed study is initiated it would be out of the hands of the City and the speed limit could be raised at the decision of the County. Councilmember Williams stated that perhaps this conversation be revisited in terms of Central Park, noting that perhaps there is a unique way in which those concerns could be addressed in the overall planning process for Central Park. It was the consensus of the Council to have the Public Works Committee further discuss the topic. 5. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session of the City Council was adjourned at 6:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kurt's G. Ulrich City Council Work Session/May 23, 2017 Page 4 of 5