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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 09-26 City Council/Manager Workshop Packet*Times Listed Are Approximate AGENDA MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL MANAGER WORKSHOP 5:15 P.M. Monday, September 26, 2011 Council Chambers, City Hall A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA D. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Board & Commission Interviews E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Discussion on Stop Sign Policy 2. Discussion on Renaming a Maplewood Park to Veterans Memorial Park F. ADJOURNMENT THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Work Session Agenda Item D1 AGENDA REPORT TO: James Antonen, City Manager FROM: Charles Ahl, Assistant City Manager Sarah Burlingame, Senior Administrative Assistant DATE: September 20, 2011 SUBJECT: Board & Commission Interviews INTRODUCTION The City Council will be conducting a continuation of interviews of candidates for the Housing Redevelopment Authority and the Environmental and Natural Resources. Interviews were also conducted during the September 12 Council Workshop. There are a total of seven (7) openings due to commissioner terms ending: Three (3) on the Housing Redevelopment Authority, two (2) on the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and two (2) on the Business and Economic Development Commission. Applicants are given 15 minutes to interview. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Council interview the candidates as indicated in the schedule below. The suggested questions will be submitted under separate cover to the Council. During the interview process, Council Members should fill out their ballots. Once the Interviews have concluded, Council Members should submit their ballots to staff, which will be tallied with the results brought back to the Council during a regular meeting at a later date with recommendations for appointments. Time Candidate Commission 5:15pm Question Selection 5:20pm Nick Nelson Environmental & Natural Resources 5:35pm *Judith Johannessen Environmental & Natural Resources 5:50pm *Bill Schreiner Environmental & Natural Resources 6:05pm Lisa Hlavenka Environmental & Natural Resources 6:20pm *Gary Pearson Housing Redevelopment Authority * Indicates Candidate is Seeking Reappointment Attachments: 1. Candidate Applications in order of interview schedule 2. Applications from interviews on September 12, 2011 Packet Page Number 1 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 2 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 3 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 4 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 5 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 6 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 7 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 8 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 9 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 10 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 11 of 24 Workshop Agenda Item D1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 12 of 24 AGENDA REPORT – COUNCIL WORKSHOP TO: James Antonen, City Manager FROM: Michael Thompson, City Engineer/ Dep. Public Works Director SUBJECT: Stop Sign Policy Discussion DATE: September 19, 2011 INTRODUCTION The council will discuss possible revisions to the current stop sign policy. BACKGROUND The City receives a handful of requests each year mostly for installing neighborhood intersection controls, such as stop signs. Proponents of stop sign installation typically present a relatively emotional appeal based on a recent accident or series of “near misses”. Likewise, opponents to stop signs voice their dissatisfaction with the inconvenience, noise, pollution, and determined motorists who simply ignore or circumvent stop signs. Over the past few years the City often has installed intersection controls at the request of neighborhood residents per the current policy, only to be opposed by other residents with a dueling petition. In 1992 a neighborhood stop sign policy (see attached) was adopted by the City to accomplish the following objectives: 1. Provide the opportunity to consider any proposal that demonstrates reasonable neighborhood support. 2. Provide information to the entire community about the proposals under consideration. 3. Provide for open discussion before the city council representing all sides of the issue. 4. Utilize the city council’s and staff’s time most effectively. The following approach was then adopted in 1992 by the city council: 1. At least 12 signatures required to show neighborhood support. 2. Response mailed to requesting party about public meeting time. 3. Article published in the city newsletter about stop sign pros and cons, along with subject area of consideration. 4. Either a special meeting or regular city council meeting would serve as the open meeting for the public discussion and consideration. DISCUSSION The current policy is dated and does not reflect best practices regarding regulatory intersection control and sign applications. A majority of the petitioner requests do not meet regulatory sign warrants. Research suggests that at most locations, increasing the level of intersection control will not improve safety (FHWA-RD-81-084 Stop, Yield, and No Control at Intersections). According to the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MnMUTCD), stop signs cause a substantial inconvenience to motorists and should be used only where warranted by facts and field studies. A stop sign may be warranted at an intersection where one or more of the following conditions exist: CMW Item E1 Packet Page Number 13 of 24 1. Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of- way rule would not be expected to provide reasonable compliance with the law; 2. Street entering a through highway or through street; 3. Unsigned intersection in a signalized area; and/or 4. High speed, restricted view, or crash records that indicate a need for control by the STOP sign. The following is the guidance from the MnMUTCD for multi-way stop applications: It is important to remember that installing unwarranted intersection control signage (i.e... stop signs) does not control speed and can have a number of negative outcomes such as:  Increased traffic noise (braking and accelerating)  Increased traffic speeds to make up for lost time  Increased automobile pollution  Stop compliance is poor because drivers feel it serves no purpose CMW Item E1 Packet Page Number 14 of 24  Pedestrians get a false sense of security at the intersection because they expect all vehicles to stop when signed as such (but many drivers do not)  Increased costs to the local jurisdiction for sign installation, maintenance, and replacement. Also, there are associated costs for enforcement. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the city council and staff conduct a discussion about the current policy and possible revisions. The current policy does not reflect best practices. The MnMUTCD should be the guide to all requests, including neighborhood stop signs. A possible direction moving forward is that the engineering staff reviews each request and response to the requestor according to best practices. If regulatory signs are warranted the recommendation would be brought to the city council for action. If the request is found to be unwarranted, then the engineering staff would notify the requestor(s) that no further action will be taken. Attachments: 1) Stop Sign Policy 2) MnMUTCD (Stop Sign Information) CMW Item E1 Packet Page Number 15 of 24 CMW Item E1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 16 of 24 CMW Item E1 Attachment 1 Packet Page Number 17 of 24 February, 20082B-1 Chapter 2B. REGULATORY SIGNS 2B.1 Application of Regulatory Signs Regulatory signs shall be used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations and indicate the applica- bility of the legal requirements. Regulatory signs shall be installed at or near where the regulations apply. The signs shall clearly indicate the requirements imposed by the regulations and shall be designed and installed to provide adequate visibility and legibility in order to obtain compliance. Regulatory signs shall be retroreflective or illuminated to show the same shape and similar color by both day and night, unless specifically stated otherwise in the text discussion of a particular sign or group of signs (see Section 2A.8). The requirements for sign illumination shall not be considered to be satisfied by street, highway, or strobe lighting. 2B.2 Design of Regulatory Signs Most regulatory signs are rectangular, with the longer dimension vertical. The shapes and colors of regulatory signs are listed in Tables 2A-4 and 2A-5, respectively. Exceptions are specifically noted in the following Sections. The use of educational plaques to supplement symbol signs is described in Section 2A.13. Changeable message signs displaying a regulatory message incorporating a prohibitory message that includes a red circle and slash on a static sign should display a red symbol that approximates the same red circle and slash as closely as possible. 2B.3 Size of Regulatory Signs The Mn/DOT “Standard Signs Manual” (see Map & Manual Sales Unit, page ii) and the Federal "Standard Highway Signs" (see Government Printing Office, page ii) book contains sign sizes and letter heights for regulatory signs. SUPPORT: GUIDANCE: SUPPORT: STANDARD: The Expressway and Freeway sizes should be used for higher-speed applications to provide larger signs for increased visibility and recognition. The Minimum size may be used on low-speed roadways where reduced legend size would be adequate for the regulation or where physical conditions preclude the use of the other sizes. The Oversized size may be used for those special appli- cations where speed, volume, or other factors result in conditions where increased emphasis, improved recognition, or increased legibility would be desirable. Signs larger than those shown in this chapter may be used (see Section 2A.12 and Appendix C). 2B.4 STOP Sign (R1-1, R1-3, R1-4) When a sign is used to indicate that traffic is always required to stop, a STOP (R1-1) sign shall be used. The STOP sign shall be an octagon with a white legend and border on a red background. Secondary legends shall not be used on STOP sign faces. If appropriate, a supplemental plaque (R1-3 or R1-4) shall be used to display a secondary legend. Such plaques shall have a white legend and border STANDARD: R1-4 450 x 150 mm 18” x 6” R1-3 300 x 150 mm 12” x 6” R1-1 750 x 750 mm 30” x 30” ALL WAY4WAY- STOP OPTION: GUIDANCE: STANDARD: The sizes for regulatory signs used on conventional roads, expressways, freeways, and low-volume roads, and under special conditions shall be as shown in Appendix C at the back of this Manual. Compliance Date: December 22, 2013 MN Rev. 2 CMW Item E1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 18 of 24 May, 2005 2B-2 on a red background. If the number of approach legs controlled by STOP signs at an intersection is three or more, the numeral on the supplemental plaque, if used, shall correspond to the actual number of legs controlled by STOP signs. Because the potential for conflicting commands could create driver confusion, STOP signs shall not be installed at intersections where traffic control signals are installed and operating except as noted in Section 4D.1. Portable or part-time STOP signs shall not be used except for emergency and temporary traffic control zone purposes. STOP signs should not be used for speed control. STOP signs should be installed in a manner that minimizes the numbers of vehicles having to stop. At inter- sections where a full stop is not necessary at all times, con- sideration should be given to using less restrictive measures such as YIELD signs (see Section 2B.8). In many low volume situations with no unusual history of intersection crashes, no control at the intersections is a cost effective strategy. Research suggests that at most locations, increasing the level of intersection control will not improve safety (see FHWA-RD-81-084 Stop,Yield and No Control at Intersections). Once the decision has been made to install two-way stop control, the decision regarding the appropriate street to stop should be based on engineering judgment. In most cases, the street carrying the lowest volume of traffic should be stopped. A STOP sign should not be installed on the major street unless justified by a traffic engineering study. The following are considerations that might influence the decision regarding the appropriate street upon which to install a STOP sign where two streets with relatively equal volumes and/or characteristics intersect: A. Stopping the direction that conflicts the most with established pedestrian crossing activity or school walking routes; B. Stopping the direction that has obscured vision, dips, or bumps that already require drivers to use lower operating speeds; C. Stopping the direction that has the longest distance of uninterrupted flow approaching the intersection; and D. Stopping the direction that has the best sight distance to conflicting traffic. The use of the STOP sign at highway-railroad grade crossings is described in Section 8B.7. The use of the STOP sign at highway-light rail transit grade crossings is described in Section 10C.4. SUPPORT: GUIDANCE: SUPPORT: GUIDANCE: STANDARD: At intersections where all approaches are controlled by STOP signs (see Section 2B.7), a supplemental plaque (R1-3 or R1-4) shall be mounted below each STOP sign. Compliance Date: January 17, 2004 The ALL WAY (R1-4) supplemental plaque may be used instead of the 4-WAY (R1-3) supplemental plaque. The design and application of Stop Beacons are described in Section 4K.5. 2B.4.1 CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP Plaque (R1-X2) The CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP sign may be used at intersections where geometric, topographic or other conditions exist and motorists approaching a STOP sign may expect cross traffic to stop. When used, it shall be installed on the same structure as the STOP sign beneath all other supplemental plaques. Its use shall be limited to those intersections where an engineering and traffic investigation indicate a need. 2B.5 STOP Sign Applications STOP signs should be used if engineering judgment indicates that one or more of the following conditions exist: A. Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule would not be expected to provide reasonable compliance with the law; B. Street entering a through highway or through street; C. Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area; and/or D. High speeds, restricted view, or crash records that indicate a need for control by the STOP sign. GUIDANCE: STANDARD: OPTION: R1-X2 600 x 300 mm 24” x 12” CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOTSTOP SUPPORT: OPTION: CMW Item E1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 19 of 24 2B.6 STOP Sign Placement The STOP sign shall be installed on the right side of the approach lane to which it applies. When the STOP sign is installed at this required location and the sign visibility is restricted, a Stop Ahead sign (see Section 2C.29) shall be installed in advance of the STOP sign. The STOPsign shall be located as close as practical to the intersection it regulates, while optimizing its visibility to the road user it is intended to regulate. STOPsigns and YIELD signs shall not be mounted on the same post. GUIDANCE: STANDARD: 2B.7 Multi-way Stop Applications Multi-way stop control can be useful as a safety measure at intersections if certain traffic conditions exist. Safety concerns associated with Multi-way stops include pedestrians, bicyclists, and all road users expecting other road users to stop. Multi-way stop control is used where the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is approximately equal. The restrictions on the use of STOP signs described in Section 2B.5 also apply to Multi-way stop applications. The decision to install Multi-way stop control should be based on an engineering study. The following criteria should be considered in the engineering study for a multi-way STOP sign installation: A. Where traffic control signals are justified, the multi- way stop is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the installation of the traffic control signal. B. A crash problem, as indicated by 5 or more reported crashes in a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop installation. Such crashes include right- and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions. C. Minimum volumes: 1. The vehicular volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and 2. The combined vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle volume entering the intersection from the minor street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor-street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour, but 3. If the 85th-percentile approach speed of the major- street traffic exceeds 40 mph, the minimum vehicular volume warrants are 70 percent of the above values. D. Where no single criterion is satisfied, but where Criteria B, C.1, and C.2 are all satisfied to 80 percent of the minimum values. Criterion C.3 is excluded from this condition. GUIDANCE: SUPPORT: 2B-3 May, 2005 There should be no sign mounted back-to-back with a STOP sign in a manner that obscures the shape of the STOP sign. Compliance Date: December 22, 2013 Section 2A.16 contains additional information about separate and combined mounting of other signs with STOP signs. Stop lines when used to supplement a STOP sign, should be located at the point where the road user should stop (see Section 3B.16). If only one STOP sign is installed on an approach, the STOP sign should not be placed on the far side of the inter- section. Where two roads intersect at an acute angle, the STOP sign should be positioned at an angle or shielded so that the legend is out of view of traffic to which it does not apply. Where there is a marked crosswalk at the intersection, the STOP sign should be installed approximately 1.3 m (4 ft)in advance of the crosswalk line nearest to the approaching traffic. At wide-throat intersections or where two or more approach lanes of traffic exist on the signed approach, observance of the stop control may be improved by the installation of an additional STOPsign on the left side of the road and/or the use of a stop line. At channelized intersec- tions, the additional STOPsign may be effectively placed on a channelizing island. Figure 2A-2 shows examples of some typical placements of STOP signs. SUPPORT: OPTION: GUIDANCE: SUPPORT: CMW Item E1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 20 of 24 Other criteria that may be considered in an engineering study include: A. The need to control left-turn conflicts; B. The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate high pedestrian volumes; C. Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to reasonably safely negotiate the intersection unless conflicting cross traffic is also required to stop; and D. An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector (through) streets of similar design and operating characteristics where Multi-way stop control would improve traffic operational characteris- tics of the intersection. 2B.8 YIELD Sign (R1-2) The YIELD (R1-2) sign shall be a downward-pointing equilateral triangle with a wide red border and the legend YIELD in red on a white background. The YIELD sign assigns right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection. Vehicles controlled by a YIELD sign need to slow down or stop when necessary to avoid interfering with conflicting traffic. 2B.9 YIELD Sign Applications OPTION: SUPPORT: STANDARD: R1-2 900 x 900 x 900 mm 36” x 36” x 36” YIELD OPTION:C. At the second crossroad of a divided highway, where the median width is 9 m (30 ft) or greater. A STOP sign may be installed at the entrance to the first roadway of a divided highway, and a YIELD sign may be installed at the entrance to the second roadway. D. At an intersection where a special problem exists and where engineering judgment indicates the problem to be susceptible to correction by the use of the YIELD sign. AYIELD (R1-2) sign shall be used to assign right-of-way at the entrance to a roundabout intersection. 2B.10 YIELD Sign Placement The YIELD sign shall be installed on the right side of the approach to which it applies. YIELD signs shall be placed on both the left and right sides of approaches to roundabout intersections with more than one lane on the signed approach where raised splitter islands are available on the left side of the approach. When the YIELD sign is installed at this required location and the sign visibility is restricted, a Yield Ahead sign (see Section 2C.29) shall be installed in advance of the YIELD sign. The YIELD sign shall be located as close as practical to the intersection it regulates, while optimizing its visibility to the road user it is intended to regulate. YIELD signs and STOPsigns shall not be mounted on the same post. GUIDANCE: STANDARD: STANDARD: 2B-4May, 2005 YIELD signs may be used instead of STOP signs if engineering judgment indicates that one or more of the following conditions exist: Compliance Date: January 11, 2011 A. When the ability to see all potentially conflicting traffic is sufficient to allow a road user traveling at the posted speed, the 85th-percentile speed, or the statutory speed to pass through the intersection or to stop in a reasonably safe manner. B. If controlling a merge-type movement on the entering roadway where acceleration geometry and/or sight distance is not adequate for merging traffic operation. There should be no sign mounted back-to back with a YIELD sign in a manner that obscures the shape of the YIELD sign. Compliance Date: December 22, 2013 Section 2A.16 contains additional information about separate and combined mounting of other signs with YIELD signs. YIELD lines, when used to supplement a YIELD sign, should be located at a point where the road user should yield (see Section 3B.16). Where two roads intersect at an acute angle, the YIELD sign should be positioned at an angle, or shielded, so that the legend is out of view of traffic to which it does not apply. Except at roundabout intersections where there is a marked crosswalk at the intersection, the YIELD sign should be installed in advance of the crosswalk line nearest to the approaching traffic. GUIDANCE: SUPPORT: CMW Item E1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 21 of 24 At a roundabout intersection, to prevent circulating vehicles from yielding unnecessarily, the face of the YIELD sign should not be visible from the circulatory roadway. At wide-throat intersections or where two or more approach lanes of traffic exist on the signed approach, observance of the yield control may be improved by the installation of an additional YIELD sign on the left side of the road and/or the use of a yield line. At channelized inter- sections, the additional YIELD sign may be effectively placed on a channelizing island. 2B.11 Yield Here to Pedestrian Signs (R1-5, R1-5a) This section has been removed because it is in conflict with Minnesota Statute 169. 2B.12 In-Street Pedestrian Crossing Sign (R1-6b) The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6b) sign may be used to remind road users of laws regarding right of way. The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall only be used at mid-block locations or at intersection approaches not controlled by a STOP sign or a traffic control signal. The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall only be installed at in-street locations. It shall not be installed on the outside shoulder nor in a parking lane. If an island (see Chapter 3G) is available, the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign, if used, should be placed on the island. GUIDANCE: STANDARD: OPTION: R1-6b 300 x 1100 mm 12” x 44” STATE STOP FOR WITHIN CROSSWALK LAW OPTION: In order to avoid overuse, the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign should only be used at locations having high pedestrian crossings. If used, the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6b) sign shall have a black legend and border on a white and fluorescent yellow-green background. According to State Statute, the legend STATE LAW and STOP FOR shall be included on the sign. The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall have either the same sign message on the back side or a strip of retroreflective sheeting not less than 50 mm (2 in) in width. The color of this strip shall be the same as that of the lane line the on which the sign is placed. If the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign is placed in the roadway, the sign support shall comply with the breakaway requirements of NCHRP-350, Category 2 for 70km/h (45 mph) (see Section 1A.11). The maximum mounting height from the roadway to the bottom of the sign shall be 0.6 m (2 ft). The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall only be installed on roadways with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less and shall not impede normal through or turning traffic movements. There shall be only one In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign installed for each approach to marked crosswalks (see Figure 2B-2). In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs should be mounted back-to-back only when used on two-lane, two-way roadways. The Provisions of Section 2A.18 concerning mounting height are not applicable for the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign. When used as an informational sign and not at pedestrian crosswalks, the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign may have the same legend on both sides. The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign may be used seasonably to prevent damage in winter because of plowing operations, and may be removed at night if the pedestrian activity at night is minimal. OPTION: SUPPORT: GUIDANCE: STANDARD: 2B-5 February, 2008 MN Rev. 1MN Rev. 1MN Rev. 2MN Rev. 3 CMW Item E1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 22 of 24 2B-6May, 2005 Four-Lane Undivided Roadway Four-Lane Divided Roadway with Turn Lanes Two-Lane, Two-Way Roadway R1-6b R1-6b with SCHOOL plaque STATE STOP FOR WITHIN CROSSWALK LAW SCHOOL STATE STOP FOR WITHIN CROSSWALK LAW Direction of travel Sign Structure Single Sided Structure Back-to-Back Structure Legend Two-Lane, Two-Way Roadway with Center Turn Lane Figure 2B-2. Typical Placement of In-Street Pedestrian Crossing Signs CMW Item E1 Attachment 2 Packet Page Number 23 of 24 Agenda Item E2 AGENDA REPORT TO: James Antonen, City Manager FROM: DuWayne Konewko – Parks and Recreation Director Jim Taylor – Recreation Program Supervisor SUBJECT: Renaming a Maplewood park to Veterans Memorial Park DATE: September 20, 2011 INTRODUCTION As per Council direction, staff would like to work with the Parks and Recreation Commission to rename an existing Maplewood Park “Veterans Memorial Park” in honor of our veteran’s. The mission of the park would be to honor Minnesota Veterans that have fought for our freedom, our State, and our great Nation. DISCUSSION Upon review of our parks system to find a park that would be not only highly visible but highly used, staff feels that Goodrich Park would fit the mold to accomplish these goals. Goodrich Park houses our entire adult softball program as well as many tournaments yearly for youth fastpitch softball. In addition to the athletic offerings Goodrich will be redeveloped over the next couple of years and we will be able to incorporate the memorial aspect into the redevelopment. RECOMMENDATION Staff is looking for Council’s direction on this matter. Packet Page Number 24 of 24