05-16-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Approved O'Brien inquired if any of the illegally placed signs have been a safety concern. Fernelius replied that the City is aware of two signs and they have not been an issue. Schiferl recommended that this be tabled until the church can approach MnDOT and the state to see if there can be a change in the manual. Baker agreed that more research needs to be done either by City staff or by the church. Bob Benke, President for the Church Council for Christ the King Lutheran Church, stated that over the last several years the MnDOT standards have been modified to accommodate area businesses,parks and zoos. The purpose of the guide signs is to help people arrive safely at their destination, to avoid congestion, and to avoid accidents. The church is asking the City to apply those same principals at a City street sign level. They believe that there are valid reasons to have signs at selected locations and they are recommending that the City keep this option open. O'Keefe inquired from Benke if the church would be willing to take the lead on the research. Benke replied that the church is made up of volunteers that do not have the expertise that the City staff does and recommends that staff take the lead and would be willing to work with the City in coming to a standard that would be beneficial. Zisla inquired if Benke feels that the MnDOT standards do not apply to the city street level. Benke replied that his understanding of the MnDOT manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is a general guideline that has many applications,but in all applications it is up to the professionals who administer that manual to make adjustments depending upon their application. Zisla replied that the Public Works Director's letter states that this type of signs would be in direct conflict with manual, which is state law. Benke replied that he has not had an opportunity to discuss this with the new Director, and does not know what has influenced his decision. O'Brien stated that he would like to see a sign standard for guide signs. Baker replied that he would like to see the City take the lead on this issue and possibly have several cities help come up with a standard sign that could be applied metropolitan wide. O'Keefe agrees with Benke that the highway informational signs have evolved, but does feel that it should be several cities that approach this issue and not just one. Howard inquired if staff knew of any cities that already have a standardized sign ordinance that they are applying on a local level that addresses these concerns. Gundlach replied that she had looked at the sign codes of the neighboring cities for the April meeting and did not find a similar sign code. She added that it is very difficult to establish zoning regulations for things that are happening in the right of way, which is why it is so important that the Public Works Director accept any proposed ordinance as the Public Works Director will be responsible for all items in the City right of way. Gundlach continued that it is possible that other cities have a standard that addresses this issue, however not within their zoning codes but rather in their street sections of their city Page 5 of 13