Minutes - Council - 05/26/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the use of stop signs for speed control has limited effectiveness. Reduced speeds can be anticipated between 100 and 200 feet from the intersection and higher speeds can be anticipated in mid-block areas. Mr. Jankowski stated that the plan presented shows all stops as all-way. Since it is likely that they will be violated a majority of the time, it will be safer to require all vehicles to stop rather than to allow some approaches to proceed without caution. The major pathway over which it is desired to slow traffic is the 150th Lane, Uranimite, 149th Avenue corridor. Slowing traffic on this corridor with stop signs makes the 150th Lane, Willemite, 152nd Lane corridor a likely alternative route. To discourage this alternative corridor, staff proposes placing an all-way stop at Rhinestone and 152nd Lane also. The placement of additional stops on Rhinestone at 152nd Avenue, 151 st Lane, and 151 st Avenue was also considered, however, it was felt that these streets would not serve as alternate routes to the 152nd Lane, Willemite, 150th Lane corridor since cut-through traffic would need to make two 90 degree turns, plus travel at least an additional 450 feet to avoid a single stop. With regard to Watch for Children signs, Mr. Jankowski reported that currently the City policy has been that such signs are ineffective and shall not be placed for that reason. If this plan is recommended for implementation, the City will be changing this currently unwritten, but long held policy. The Council should then consider in the near future what criteria it would require for the placement of similar signs. Councilmember Haas Steffen thought that the Police Chief and the residents in the 149th Avenue area should agree on a reporting system for violators of the stop signs and also that some type of warning signs should be used alerting drivers of the new signage. Mr. Jankowski replied that signs with red flags on them advising of new signs will be placed in the area. City Administrator Norman stated that he had been unable to meet with the Police Chief regarding a reporting system. Councilmember Haas Steffen did not want the stop signs to be ignored and then inquired when they would be erected. Director of Public Works Kapler stated the signs would be ordered and should be in and up in about two weeks. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to implement the plan of placing all-way stop signs at Bison Street and 150th Lane, Willemite Street and 150th Lane, Uranimite and 149th Lane, Peridot Street and 149th Avenue, and 152nd Lane and Rhinestone Street, Watch for Children signs at the western end of 150th Lane, the eastern end of 149th Avenue and the eastern end of 152nd Lane, and that the Police Chief is directed to visit the residents on 149th Avenue to discuss how to implement a watch/reporting system of drivers in violation of the stop signs, and also that the stop signs and Watch for Children signs will be installed by June 15, 1998. City Council/May 26, 1998 Page 8 of 11