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I I I Council Meeting Minutes October 8, 1996 Page 8 Public Hearin~. continued Motion by Samuelson. seconded by Williams, to CLOSE THE HEARING. Hearing was closed by 8:51 p.m. Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Samuelson, to WAIVE THE READING AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION APPROVING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR PROJECT 96-9, 634 INCA LANE SANITARY SEWER SERVICE. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Council Business Proper presented a petition signed by 66 residents in the 3rd St. NW neighborhood. The petition cites a safety problem resulting from high traffic speeds and requests installation of stop signs at the following locations: 14th Ave. northbound at 3rd St.; 3rd St. eastbound at 14th Ave.; 3rd St. eastbound at 17th Ave; 3rd St. westbound at 17th Ave.; 3rd St. eastbound at Kimberly Dr.; 3rd St. westbound at Kimberly Dr.; 3rd St. eastbound at 23rd Ave.; and 3rd St. westbound at 23rd Ave. A meeting was held with residents on October 3. It was concluded that more traffic data is needed to determine if the vehicles are local or using 3rd St. as a shortcut to avoid traffic congestion. Residents feel much of the traffic is "cut through traffic." Speed and volume counts will be taken at 3rd St. and 14th Ave. using City traffic counters, and four residents will participate in a speed study to record speeds using a City radar gun and track license numbers to determine if the traffic is local or cut through. This data will be used in an engineering study to determine if stop signs are warranted, and staff will report back on November 12. Benke noted that it may be difficult to determine if the traffic increase is due to the Silver Lake Road construction or seasonal patterns. He felt the immediate focus should be at the corner of 14th Ave. and 3rd St., and areas near the park. Samuelson agreed and noted that vehicles tend to speed up when driving on 3rd St. Gunderman supports stop signs at 14th AVe. and 3rd St., and installing stop signs near parks is always good practice. He requested the signs be installed immediately because these signs may save one life. Larson supports Gunderman and feels those signs should be installed this weekend. Samuelson questioned whether 14th Ave. and 3rd St. is the most immediate location. Thomson said there are guidelines that warrant installation of traffic control devices and stop signs. There are potential liability risks to the City when decisions are made which are contrary to MNDOT standards. Benke said the traffic data would provide judgement needed which the City can rely on to install a traffic device. The absent of a traffic study makes this difficult. Gunderman feels it is common sense to provide a stop sign at park entrances, but is unsure what type of action can be accomplished tonight. Public Hearin~ Project 96-9 Special Assessment Report 96-227 Resolution 96-089 Council Business Stop Sign Petition - 3rd St. Report 96-226