Agenda - Public Works Committee - 09/18/2007

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dead end, which may be visible during the day, is not during the evening. In addition, the request itself usually indicates some level of need. Mr. Jankowski stated the Committee may recall that the recent posting of a dead end sign at an intersection in the Rivenwick development resulted in a complaint from a resident who objected to the sign being placed in the right-of-way adjacent to their property. The purpose of this case is to receive direction On whether the current practice in handling requests for dead end signs should be modified. City Engineer Jankowski indicated one possible alternative would be to handle dead end sign requests similar to other traffic signs, which are currently handled under the Policy Regarding Consideration of Traffic Control Requests, This would require a petition from five or more property owners within 500 feet of the affected intersection and a report from staff. Mr. Jankowski stated a second alternative would be to allow staff to continue handling requests for these signs as they have been in the past. Essentially this alternative would assign full discretion to staff for the placement of this particular sign. Mr. Jankowski stated a third alternative could be to allow staff to continue to post these signs at their discretion but to report the intention to place a new sign to the Public Works Committee prior to the placement. This would allow at least cursory review by the Committee and would provide advanced knowledge to councilmembers prior to a new sign being erected. Councilmember Dehen asked what type of objections staff receives regarding the signs. . City Engineer Jankowski replied the objections are aesthetic; people do not want to mow around another sign in their yard. Staff is not in favor of placing excessive signs either, but they want to be responsive, and it is annoying to have people mistakenly come down your cul-de-sac. Public Works Director Olson indicated the sign could cause friction between neighbors. The last time there was an issue there were new residents that moved into a cul-de-sac and thought the amount of people driving into the cul-de-sac was ridiculous. Staff agreed, but after marking the location for the sign a complaint was received about whose yard it should go in. Chairperson Elvig indicated he agrees with staff looking at the request and making a recommendation. If it gets to be an issue it can be addressed. City Engineer Jankowski indicated staff is also asking for approval to post a Dead End sign on the north and south legs of 168th Lane at Nutria Street. Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Councilmember Dehen, to recommend to City Council that the existing Policy Regarding Consideration of Traffic Control. Requests be modified accordingly to allow staff to post dead end signs after notification to the City Council through the Weekly Update of its intent to ~ost such signs, and to authorize staff to post a Dead End sign on the north and south legs of 168t Lane at Nutria Street. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elv.ig, Councilmembers Olson and Dehen. Voting No: None. Public Works Committee / July17, 2007 Page 6 of 12