Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/19/2005

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Chairperson Elvig stated that he would think someone who just did millions of dollars of business in the city would at least have the courtesy to return a call. Public Works Director Kapler stated they have other issues with this development. City Engineer Jankowski stated particularly on the sidewalk issue. Chairperson Elvig stated they would handle it a little different next time when they come in for approvals. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Mayor Gamec, and Councilmember Olson. Voting No: None. Case #5: Consider Request for Speed Study for Riverdale Drive between Ramsey Boulevard and Tungsten Street City Engineer Jankowski noted the email request staff received from Mr. Jerry Sherman, a resident of the Rivenwick subdivision, to have a speed study performed between Sunfish Lake Boulevard and Dolomite Street. He advised that in discussing Mr. Sherman's request over the telephone, staff learned that his intention is to cause the speed limit to be raised as it is his opinion that a realistic limit is higher than the current posted limit of 30 miles per hour. City Engineer Jankowski explained that State Statues 169.01.59 permits local units of government to post a speed limit of 30 miles per hour in urban areas. All other speed limits are to be established by the Commissioner of Transportation following an engineering study which would be performed by the Department of Transportation. This roadway has been constructed in various segments between 1989 and 2003. City records show no evidence that such a speed study has ever been performed on any segment of Riverdale Drive. City Engineer Jankowski advised that the Police Department collected current traffic speed information during mid-week periods on three separate dates approximately two weeks apart in March and April. These studies show that the 50% speeds range between 31 and 34 miles per hour and that the 85th percentile speed, the measure which is heavily weighted in setting appropriate speed limits range between 37 and 39 miles per hour. Staff has a concern that the present land use along the road is undeveloped and that future safe speeds might be lower after development occurs and therefore it could be necessary to lower the limit in the future if it were to be raised following this speed study. Still it is hard to dismiss the fact that the driving habits of motorists are telling us that speed limit is currently set too low. City Engineer Jankowski stated it is the opinion of staff that a reasonable speed along this street segment would be 35 miles per hour. It has been staff's experience that there has been consultation between the local road authority and MnDOT before the Commissioner's order is issued. During such a consultation staff will strongly pursue the position for holding the speed limit to 35 even if the data suggested that it might be higher citing the future development Public Works Committee / April 19, 2005 Page 14 of 21