HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.26.2004• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 26, 2004
4:20 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Cole, Greenwood, Clark, Schmitt, Gunderson,
Welper.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Kincaid that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Mohammad Elahi, Traffic Engineer, presented information on the proposed Speed Hump Policy.
Speed humps are an effective form of speed control. This type of control is a traffic -calming
tool. It is also an active traffic -calming tool because it causes the drivers to slow down. There
are various active calming devices: speed humps, chokers, chicanes, and closures. The public
frequently asks the Traffic Department for stop signs, but stop signs have to be warranted, which
sometime allows for a stop sign and sometime the stop sign is not allowed. Speed humps can be
used for speed control. If speed humps are used improperly, they can backfire, such as too many
or done improperly. Speed humps were tested on Saratoga Drive last year, and citizens that use
the street more than twice per day were in favor of them.
A Speed Hump Policy is needed because a procedure needs to be in place as to where they are
needed and to have a fair and uniform approach. Speed humps need to be done in an efficient
manner, and they allow the city to respond to problems.
The policy includes guidelines for location, geometric design and neighbor input. Speed humps
cost between $3,000.00 and $3,500.00. The policy requires construction of speed humps to be
covered by city funds, private funds, other funds and combination of funds.
Mayor Hurley asked if there is liability for the city if there is damage caused by the humps. Mr.
Elahi responded that the speed humps should not be dangerous as we will use the standardized
size and could be made out of concrete or asphalt.
It is the Traffic Department's goal to install speed humps on a permanent basis. The Police
Department has requested some on a temporary basis, and the Traffic Department will install
those for special occasions.
Fire Chief DeBerg stated that the speed humps will not affect the Fire Department's response
time because when they respond to a call, they cannot exceed the speed limit.
Mr. Elahi stated that a speed hump should only be considered for residential areas or where the
legal speed limit is 25 mph or less.
The Speed Hump Policy is on tonight's council agenda for approval.
With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Welper, seconded by Gunderson
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk