Laserfiche WebLink
reviewing this site, staff has become aware of what will eventually become a violation that portion <br />of the City Code commonly referred to as the vision site triangle. The spruce trees located on the <br />property at 6070 144th Lane will obstruct the clear vision. This section of City Code states: <br />"Landscaping with the vision clearance triangle which is in existence prior to the date of adoption <br />of this ordinance shall be viewed on a case by case basis to determine whether these landscaping <br />elements are in compliance with this ordinance." At this time it may be relatively easy to relocate <br />these trees to a more suitable location on the property. The Committee may wish to consider <br />extending the property owner some assistance in this regard. <br /> <br />Staff recommended that the request for the placement of an all way stop at this intersection be <br />denied based on the findings that traffic volumes are substantially below the guidelines necessary <br />for the placement of such traffic control signage, and because traffic calming measures have been <br />previously implemented for this neighborhood. Staff further recommended that the property <br />owner at 6070 144th Lane be notified that the existing spruce trees within the sight vision triangle <br />may need to be removed, or trimmed of their lower branches to a distance of nine feet above the <br />curb. It is suggested that the Committee recommend offering the property owners the assistance <br />of the Public Works Department in relocating these trees to a more suitable location on their <br />property. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook suggested that they could leave the issue of the pine trees alone until they <br />do create a site line issue. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski replied that the Committee could chose to do so, but if they were to <br />approach the homeowner about the issue now it would be more feasible to relocate the pine trees <br />at their current size. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook verified that the trees were not the reason why there has been a request for <br />a stop sign. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski replied that was correct. He also noted that the petitioner was not <br />notified of this meeting. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig stated that at this time he did not see the need for a stop sign at a cul-de-sac. If <br />they were going to consider a cul-de-sac it would make more sense for a stop sign to be installed <br />at Quicksilver Street and 144th Lane. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski noted that it was staff's recommendation that the Committee deny the <br />request. As it relates to the moving of the pine trees one option would be for the City to offer to <br />move the pine trees to a new location with the City's tree spade. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig stated in regards to the moving of the existing pine trees that he was very <br />uncomfortable with the City doing work on private property. He felt that if the City does do any <br />work on private property there should be some release signed by the property owner along with a <br />specific work order. <br /> <br />Public Works Committee/January 18, 2005 <br /> Page 15 of 27 <br /> <br /> <br />