Consider Stop Sign Request for 3-Way Stop at Tiger St and 171st Ave

The attached petition was received May 30 2013 from residents near the intersection of Tiger St and 171st Ave. The purpose of the petition is to request a 3 way stop at the above intersection. There is already a stop sign at 171st Ave where it intersects Tiger St., so technically we would be only adding stop signs to Tiger St.  Staff has reviewed the intersection and offers the the following information as background in considering this request.
The City of Ramsey follows the guide lines for stop sign installations provided in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Because the STOP sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should only be used when warranted.  The following are the recommended guidelines or warrants for the installtion of a Multiway Stop Sign.

1. Where traffic signals are warranted and urgently needed, the mulitway stop in an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the signal installation.
2. An accident problem, as indicated by five or more reported accidents of a type susceptible of correction by a multiway stop installation in a twelve month period.  Such accidents include right and left turn collisions as well as right angle collisions.
3.Minimum traffic volumes
A) the total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches must average 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and
B) The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street or highway must average 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 maximum hour.

Notification has been sent to residents who's name appeared on the petition.

Speed Limit
The posted speed limit on all three legs of the intersection is 30 mph
Accident History
According to Ramsey PD records there are no reported accidents since at least 2000 when their present software system was installed, with the exception of a deer/vehicle collision on Tiger St.
Traffic data
Traffic counts were taken for two 24 hour periods, starting May 29th and ending May 31st. Traffic counts are taken in this manner to determine a 24 hour average.

Street Leg Daily Traffic Peak Hour
Tiger St south leg 387/ 38
Tiger St north leg  330/ 33
171st Ave               72/7        
Intersection Avg   263/26

Sight Distance
There is an adequate sight distance on all three legs of the intersection.  (photos attached)

Traffic Engineering 
General Fund Budget
Cost Center 0260
Approximate cost-$800.00

Because of the low traffic volumes and above average sight distance at the intersection, staff recommendation is to not install a 3-way stop sign at the intersection of Tiger St and 171st Ave at this time.

Motion to accept staff recommendation to not install a 3 way stop at Tiger St/171st Ave
Motion to reject staff recommendation and choose an alternative based on committee discussion