Minutes - Council - 03/24/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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alternative, both in terms of impacts on local traffic patterns and long-term operational impacts to ' public works and emergency service providers, particularly the fire department response. Mr. Jankowski added that it is possible to cul-de-sac 149th Avenue at Uranimite or other locations, however, there are good indications that neighboring streets would make similar requests to divert the increased traffic. There are very serious concerns regarding the impact to the fire department response. Emergency vehicle response into cul-de-sacs should be avoided whenever possible due to the fact that the turning radius of large fire apparatus severely limits mobility. This is a non-hydrant area and water must be brought in via truck. Staff is recommending against consideration of this alternative. 2) Alternative A: Mr. Jankowski explained that this would consist of speed humps at roughly 800-foot intervals along the straight section of the corridor and along 149th Lane which would become a likely alternative pathway. The cost of this alternative is estimated at $2,500 per hump, or $20,000. 3) Alternative B: This alternative proposed to control speeding and discourage through traffic by the placement of a stop sign on 150th Lane and Willemite Street; at 150th Lane/149th Lane and Uranimite Street; and at 149th Avenue and Peridot. The signs would only stop the east/west traffic which is the cut-through traffic. Mr. Jankowski believed it was unlikely that sufficient traffic exists to warrant four-way or all-way stops at these intersections. The existing stop on the northeast leg of Willemite Street and 150th Lane would be removed. The cost of this alternative is estimated at $200 per sign, or a total of $1,200. 4) Alternative C: Mr. Jankowski explained that this alternative is a combination of Alternatives A and C and is intended to increase the effectiveness of the cut-through deterrent while decreasing cost by using fewer expensive speed humps. This alternative includes four speed humps and six stop signs and the estimated cost is $11,200. Councilmember Haas Steffen stated she has gone to review the area of concern nine times and she is convinced that the only way to slow down the speeders in the 149th area is to put in speed humps, however, she felt they should be at closer intervals. She suggested that the extension of #116 would alleviate the problems on both 149th Avenue and 149th Lane. She indicated she would make a motion that the speed humps be put in. Patti Hoffman, 7446 - 149th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that now some of the neighbors have expressed concern about speed humps lowering their property valuation. Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested it would be difficult to find a solution that 100% of the people are in total agreement with. She suggested maybe the speed humps could be removed once C.R. #116 is completed. She did not agree that speed humps would lower property value. Ms. Hoffman stated her neighborhood is interested in £mding a remedy, but she asked if Council would put off their decision for a month to see what the neighborhood would come up with. If an agreement cannot be met, they could then wait to see what the extension of #116 does to the traffic concerns. Councilmember Haas Steffen noted that Ms. Hoffman stated it is possible to wait to see if #116 takes care of the problems. Ms. Hoffman inquired if stop signs could be put at Uranimite and 149th and the two-way stop on Willemite be put on 150th instead. She felt that would really be a help. City Council/March 24, 1998 Page 6 of 18