Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/20/2006

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Police Chief Way replied reserves have monitored radar, but they cannot make traffic stop, which is the same situation with CSO's. When these officers are used there have then been complaints about why the officer is there and is not enforcing anything. Mr. Cich questioned if there would be some way to suggest a 20 mph speed limit. Chairperson Elvig replied staff has indicated this cannot be done according to state statute. He indicated he would like consideration of a Closed to Through Traffic sign being posted. Police Chief Way replied this type of sign could not be enforced. Public Works Director Olson expressed concern with posting this type of sign, which would not be enforced in this location, and posting it in other locations where the traffic really cannot go through. Councilmembers Cook and Olson indicated they would not be in favor of posting this type of SIgn. Motion by Chairperson Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to recommend to City Council that police patrol be focused to insure compliance with the 30 mph speed limit and that the use of the speed trailer be continued, and that a temporary all way (three way) stop signs be placed at the intersections of Kamacite Street and 14Sth Avenue and Kamacite Street and 147th Lane. These temporary stops signs shall be removed upon termination of the county road closures. Further discussion: Public Works Director Olson informed the residents that the Police and Engineering Departments have received a lot of complaints about the traffic and understand the concerns. This is not an easy situation. The City was forced with the decision to allow Ramsey Boulevard to be under construction for six to eight months, rather than the two months of closing it down. The closing of CR 116 is creating frustration as well. Staff knows the concerns are completely valid, and they are trying to do something to help at least keep the speeds down, to give them another tool to enforce the through traffic, and to possibly deter some people out ofthe neighborhood. If they can get through this situation with some patience, Ramsey Boulevard will be two lanes in each direction with dual left turn lanes, and it will be finished August 1 st. Chairperson Elvig commented CR 116 was just closed all the way into Anoka, which may have a positive impact on the neighborhood. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Olson and Cook. Voting No: None. City Engineer Jankowski stated the situation in the Welcomes Road Neighborhood is a temporary situation that is winding down. Staff does not have any remedial recommendations regarding the traffic in this neighborhood. Jim Roberts, 7441 164th Lane NW, inquired about the timeframe for the Northwest Sewer Project. Public Works Committee I June 20,2006 Page 7 of 15