HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.04.2000 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESSIUO
December 4, 2000
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
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Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Getty that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
The request to install stop signs at Dawson and Fairview Streets was reviewed. Sandie Greco
reported that the Traffic Operations Department has completed the traffic study regarding a
petition presented to the council by Vickie Ashton on October 23, 2000, requesting the city to
install stop signs at Dawson and Fairview Streets. Traffic counts, including comments from the
traffic counter, were taken on October 30, 2000. Reported accidents over the last five years were
compiled, resulting in only four. The area was driven at various times checking traffic flow,
which was light, and the visibility of the intersection, which was unobstructed. The results of the
traffic study and following the guidelines of the Uniform Manual on Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD) reveal that the intersection of Dawson and Fairview Streets does not warrant stop
signs.
Police Chief Tom Jennings reported that the Police Department conducted selective enforcement
in the area to monitor traffic. A history was ran for the intersection for reported accidents in the
department. Since 1996 through November 30, 2000, there have been four reported accidents at
this intersection, including the fatality on October 20, 2000. The area was checked during the
first and second shifts, and all officers reported the volume of the traffic was light to moderate.
All reported that speed was not a factor, and most vehicles were clocked at 22 to 28 miles per
hour. It was reported that the intersection is an uncontrolled intersection, and as the norm,
drivers on both streets assume they have the right of way.
Councilperson Jordan stated that in the past when a neighborhood has come to the council with
something like this, we have always given it to them. Councilperson Jordan stated he supports
the stop sign and feels it is the right thing to do. Councilperson Gronen stated that there are no
stop signs from Burton to Broadway, and the vehicles drive pretty fast on Dawson.
Councilperson Gronen stated that he supports the traffic signs.
Councilperson Anders stated that he does not support putting in stop signs, and that the Police
Chief does not believe a stop sign is necessary. Councilperson Anders stated that the death was
tragic, but it was due to speeding. Councilperson Anders asked how far do we go to protect a
neighborhood from itself. Councilperson Anders stated that when you get a driver's license, you
do need to take some responsibility.
Councilperson Krizek asked if the city could use yield signs. Ms. Greco stated that the UMT
states we should not use yield signs to slow traffic. Councilperson Gronen stated that he liked the
idea of a yield sign, and he would support that.
Councilperson Getty stated that he is personally against a stop sign, but people in the area want
something to slow down traffic. Councilperson Berry stated that if it doesn't cost the city and
residents want it, then we should talk about a yield sign. Councilperson Murphy stated that he is
concerned as we have a number of streets that don't have yield or stop signs, and do we want to
have one on every corner.
Mayor Rooff stated that the city could install a temporary yield sign and get feedback from the
neighborhood. The consensus of the council was to have an ordinance for the yield sign on next
week's council agenda.
Vickie Ashton stated that Dawson Street is the street with the most traffic. Ms. Ashton stated
that yield signs would help, and that she would not want another traffic accident at that
intersection.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk