Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/21/2000

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with a data acquisition device which are capable of producing reports which show the distribution of traffic speeds, what percentage of vehicles are exceeding the limits, and a distribution of traffic and speeds relative to time of day. This data could be helpful in effectively focusing enforcement activity by the police department. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the Committee would be willing to consider installing a stop sign at Waco Street and 149th Avenue, or scheduling a public hearing to hear the residents concerns and to let them know that they are going to be working on improving the situation. Director of Public Works Kapler suggested waiting to meet with the residents until they are able to gather data from the speed trailer so that they would have data to review with the residents. Councilmember Zimmerman replied that the speed trailer is a method of gathering information, but there should still be a meeting to let the residents know that the City will be addressing their concerns. Director of Public Works Kapler suggested having staff send out a letter to the residents informing them of what the City will be doing rather than holding a public meeting. City Engineer Olson noted that if they collect speed data in the middle of the winter it will be different than in the summer. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that they should still complete the study in January and if there is suspicion that the winter conditions are slowing the traffic then they can complete the study again in the spring. Consensus was to notify residents within 250 feet of the affected intersections as to what the City's plans are to address their concerns. Allison Board, 14561 Waco Street, Ramsey, stated that their original concern had to do with the amount of speeding traffic at the intersection of 149th Avenue and Waco Street, but they have also become concerned with the intersection of 150th Avenue and Waco Street because of the bike path that enters that intersection and the visibility is very limited. City Engineer Jankowski replied that staff will set up the speed trailer to collect data on speeding traffic as well as look into the visibility concerns at the intersection of 150th Avenue and Waco Street. Director of Public Works Kapler suggested the possibility of installing a very visible cross walk sign at the intersection of 150th Avenue and Waco Street. Ms. Board suggested painting a crosswalk in the street as well as installing a crosswalk sign and then install a stop sign at 149th Avenue because it is an area that people would expect to stop. Public Works Committee/November 21, 2000 Page 2 of 10