Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/18/2001

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not exist which would warrant the placement of stop signs at either of these intersections based upon criteria cited in the manual. Staff presented a video, which explores the use of stop signs. Todd Mathison, 14970 Waco Street NW; Ramsey, stated that he appreciated all that the City has done so far and knowing that the lines are going to be repainted along the street is great, but he does not understand why everyone is so against stop signs. There is nobody that states stop signs do not work. The residents in the neighborhood are the people that are requesting the stop signs and they are willing to take the risks that go along with them. There are over 30 kids that live between 149t~ Avenue and 150t~ Avenue. At a minimum he felt that a stop sign should be placed at 149th and Waco where the bus stop is. He explained that the bus stops on 149th Avenue so the traffic along Waco does not stop and it is very dangerous. Allison Ward, 14961 Waco Street NW, Ramsey, stated that after viewing the video regarding stop signs she does not know what will solve their problems, but they do have visibility issues at both intersections as well as excessive speed. What she does know is that something needs to be done. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if Ms. Ward felt that a stop sign at 149th Avenue and Waco Street would be a good thing .... ~.. Ms. Ward replied yes, but also felt that a stop sign is needed at 150th Avenue and Waco Street. Roberta Mathison, Waco Street, Ramsey, stated that she appreciated the video that was presented, but she did think that it was exaggerated. She felt that if the stop signs were installed it would become a deterrent and traffic levels would decrease. Joe Ward, 14961 Waco Street NW, Ramsey, stated that the video proved that the intersections being discussed were designed incorrectly, which is why he thinks the speeding problem exists. Stop signs may or may not help, redesigning of the road may help somewhat, but the concern of redesigning the road is who would bear that cost and what would happen to their driveways. Sandy Short, 14951 Waco Street NW, Ramsey, stated that her son's bus stop was at 149t~ and Waco Street, but she moved him down to 150th Avenue and Waco Street because of the safety issues. She requested that when the road lines are repainted that a center line not be painted because people might interpret that people can pass along the road. At the intersection of 149t~ Avenue and Waco Street the visibility in the winter is very poor. She explained that she has to pull half way out into the intersection to see if another car is coming or not. She requested that a stop sign be placed at 149th and Waco Street. Mark Dorgis, 14940 Waco Street NW, Ramsey, stated that the residents are requesting four stop signs, a yield sign at the cross walk and white painted lines along the street. The City has already agreed to the yield sign and a painted crosswalk as well as repainting the road, so the remaining Public Works Committee/June 18, 2001 Page 3 of 13