Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/18/2006

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allow for progressive penalties for repeated violations of the placement of signs in the public rights-of--way. Further discussion: Fire Chief Kapler explained this was brought up as a public safety issue. Whether the sign is in place for ten minutes or 48 hours it will block the view. Motion. carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Cook and Olson. Voting No: None. Chairperson Elvig directed staff to look into the No Snowmobiling sign posted at the intersection of Highway 47 and 167th Avenue, as the sign is in the sight line when traveling east on 167 Avenue. Case #5: Consider Crosswalk Installation Across 167th Avenue at Quicksilver Street City Engineer Jankowski reviewed that at the March 21, 2006 Public Works Committee meeting it was the consensus of the Committee that staff consider and recommend a location for a crosswalk across 167th Avenue to provide for the protection of pedestrians which can be expected to travel between Elmcrest Park and the businesses located north of 167th Avenue at the TH 47 intersection. Mr. Jankowski explained the crosswalk sign is defined as a warning sign in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Warning and these types of signs are to be used to call attention to unexpected conditions along roadways. The manual states that the use of warning signs should be kept to a minimum as the unnecessary use of signs tends to breed disrespect for all signs. Because of the level of pedestrian traffic anticipated between the park and the businesses staff feels that this is a legitimate location for the placement of a pedestrian crosswalk. Staff has reviewed the location and is recommending that a crosswalk be installed across 167th Avenue in line with the east side of Quicksilver Street. The cost associated with this signage is approximately $1,000, which would come from the Public Works signs account. The crossing installation will consist of a crossing warning sign and an advance warning sign in both directions, and Zebra crosswalk striping on the pavement. Mr. Jankowski advised staff recommends that the Public Works Committee recommend to City Council that a pedestrian crossing be installed at the intersection 167th Avenue and Quicksilver Street and that funding come from the Public Works sign account. Staff would not recommend the spacing between TH 47 and Quicksilver Street be utilized to evaluate a crossing for any other type of crosswalk. It is the unique nature of this area that warrants the crosswalk, with the primary entrance to the park. Chairperson Elvig stated this crosswalk is necessary due to the amount of traffic and the use at the park. Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Chairperson Elvig, to recommend to City Council that a pedestrian crossing be installed at the intersection of 167th Avenue and Quicksilver Street and that funding come from the Public Works sign account, and that the spacing between TH 47 and Quicksilver Street is not utilized to evaluate a crossing for any other type of crosswalk due to the unique nature of this area that warrants the crosswalk, with the primary entrance to the park. Public Works Committee /April 18, 2006 Page 7 of 10