Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/17/2019

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upon. There will be a fairly substantial labor component switching the speed limit signs over though and provided an estimated cost of $27,000. Councilmember Heinrich asked if the estimated cost would include the labor and materials. Public Works Superintendent Riemer confirmed that cost would include both labor and materials. He noted that cost does not include neighborhood signs and therefore is just a rough estimate. Councilmember Heinrich asked if the change in speed limits would increase the number of speed limit signs. Public Works Superintendent Riemer confirmed that there would be an increase in signs as signs would be required within neighborhoods. Police Chief Katers stated that staff discussed this topic and his position is that if the change is made it would be more effective, in terms of enforcement, if the change is made city wide. He explained that from a State point, drivers are taught that if an area is unmarked in a residential setting, the speed limit would be 30 mph, therefore additional neighborhood signs would be required. He noted that if the change is made there would need to be a focus on signage, education and enforcement. He stated that any reduction in speed could reduce potential injuries but asked the threshold that people are willing to accept. He stated that he does not have a strong opinion but in terms of enforcement, if a change is made, he would like it to remain consistent throughout Ramsey. Councilmember Riley stated that he agrees that the entire City should remain consistent, where it is left at 30 or changed to 25 mph and confirmed the consensus of the Committee. Chairperson Kuzma stated that it would seem difficult to change the speed limit city wide and did not believe there would be much difference between 25 mph and 30 mph. He stated that he is not in support of changing the speed limit and believed the associated cost to not be worth the benefit. Councilmember Heinrich asked if there is any information on studies done in other communities that have lowered the speed limit. Police Chief Katers replied that there have been a few studies but noted that this is all fairly new. He stated that the Minneapolis City Council reviewed this same action and believed that any decision should be delayed for at least one year. He stated that the limited area he researched, when the speed limit is dropped from 30 mph to 25 mph, there has been no significant change in the speed of the drivers. Councilmember Riley stated that he has heard a lot of complaints related to speed and has always believed that 30 mph is too fast on purely residential streets. He stated that if it is going to be done, it should be applied consistently on all City streets. He noted that it appears that Public Works has already been to think about how this could strategically be done. He stated that he would be interested in this but would want to determine an effective date that would work cohesively with the schedule of Public Works staff. He noted that there are multiple outlets for Public Works Committee / September 17, 2019 Page 3 of 13