Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/26/2006

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Councilmember Jeffrey questioned when there will be consideration of slowing down the speed on CR #5 from Highway 47 up through Alpine Drive. Public Works Director Olson replied the County has jurisdiction for this roadway but does not have the control of setting speed limits to a lower limit. The City can request the County submit to the State for a speed study. However, the study will look at what the 85th percentile speed is. Generally the speed limit would not be reduced just because it would be safer. Councilmember Jeffrey stated something has to be done; safety should be a consideration in the speed study. Councilmember Strommen stated there are too many major turns in and out of these neighborhoods with people driving at high speeds up and down CR #5 and people coming in and out of the neighborhoods. It is not a safe situation. Councilmember Elvig stated it strikes him as strange that the speed study would look at the speed of 85% of the drivers because people will drive the posted speed or faster. He suggested staff draft a formal letter stating the City sees the speed on this road as a great safety hazard. Public Works Director Olson replied a letter could be effective if it is backed up with the appropriate crash data. A letter could be drafted at the Council's direction. Councilmember Jeffrey stressed the importance of the speed study being completed on CR #5, as the last study was done during MEA break when the traffic is much less at the school. Consensus of the Council was to direct staff to request a speed study be completed on CR #5 between Highway #47 and 167th Avenue with the desired result to lower the speed limit in the urban area, and that the study be conducted when school is in session. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT Councilmember Cook requested the following topics be added to a future work session agenda: · Update on the cluster development ordinance · Update on the park to be located at Sunfish Lake Councilmember Olson requested the following topic be added to a work session agenda: · Consideration of what the City can do to assist the businesses on the north side of Highway 10 Councilmember Cook stated he received three phone calls this week from residents that are very upset with the extra signage and banners that go beyond the sign ordinance on the north side of Highway 10. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session of the City Council was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. City Council Work Session / September 26, 2006 Page 3 of 4