Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/17/2019

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Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Heinrich, to approve the agenda, as presented. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Kuzma, Councilmembers Riley and Heinrich. Voting No: None. 4. APPROVE MINUTES 4.01: Approve July 16, 2019, Meeting Minutes Motion by Councilmember Heinrich, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to approve the following minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes dated July 16, 2019 Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Kuzma, Councilmembers Heinrich and Riley. Voting No: None. 5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS 5.01: Consider Lowering Speed Limit on Residential Roads Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated that the current speed limit on residential roads is 30 mph. In the past this speed limit was set by the Commissioner of Transportation at MnDOT. Earlier this spring the State Legislature passed a law allowing the local road authority the ability to lower the speed limit on residential roads to 25 mph, if they so choose. A residential roadway is not defined to include all city streets in an area zoned exclusively for housing and are not collector or arterial streets. The change in definition of a residential roadway expands the ability of cities to designate such streets at 25 mph, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.14, Subdivision 2(7). Changing the speed limit on such a street no longer requires a traffic study by MnDOT, nor does it require an engineer analysis by the City. Cities may simply adopt the 25- mph speed limit by Council action, provided the roadway meets the new definition. After speaking with the City Attorney, he advised that any Council action to change the speed limits must be done by Ordinance, because only Ordinances are enforceable by law. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated that City staff receives numerous phone calls from residents with concerns about motorists that they feel are speeding in their neighborhoods. Staff from Public Works, Engineering, and the Police Department have discussed the issue and feel, if the City is able to change the speed limit on residential streets, it must be consistent city wide. Staff’s reasoning is the cost of the additional signage would be prohibitive and enforcement for the PD would be difficult at best, if the speed limit changed from road section to road section. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated that staff does not have a strong recommendation on this issue and can support either speed limit that the Committee and ultimately Council decides Public Works Committee / September 17, 2019 Page 2 of 13