Report from Public Works Committee dated May 16, 2017

1. Review Pedestrian Safety Concerns at Variolite Street and 161st Avenue: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee that City Staff request that the Police Department use the speed trailer at the Variolite Street/161st Avenue NW intersection periodically to help reduce traffic speeds, and to consider an amendment to the Capital Improvement Plan regarding lowering the grade at the Variolite Street/161st Avenue NW intersection to improve the sight line to the north.
2. Parking Concern Near Rhinestone Street and Ramsey Parkway: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the yellow curb markings be extended, as needed, to ensure uniform “No Parking” restrictions on all legs of the intersection at Rhinestone Street/Ramsey Parkway.
3. Consider Recommending City Council Approval of Plans and Specifications for Improvement Project #17-03, 2017 Crackseal and Sealcoat Improvements: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council approve plans and specifications for Project 17-03 - 2017 Crackseal and Sealcoat Program, and to recommend that the following related items be funded through the 2017 Street Maintenance Contract under the Streets Department Budget: Analyze pavement sections using ground penetrating radar - $35,000; Spray patching machine rental - $35,000.

The Public Works Committee held its regular meeting on May 16, 2017 and discussed the following cases:
1.  Review Pedestrian Safety Concerns at Variolite Street and 161st Avenue: PW Superintendent Riemer reviewed the Staff Report, and explained that the Public Works Committee, at their April 18, 2017, meeting, directed City Staff to gather traffic data and other information regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of Variolite Street and 161^st Avenue. Staff is reporting that Variolite Street has a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour (mph), with a restricted sight line view to the north of 161^st Avenue because of a hill.  Additional information gathered from the police speed trailer over a two-day period shows that 85% of traffic at this intersection have an average speed of 65 mph. Visibility to the south is clear, but the sightline to the north is only 330 feet, which creates safety concerns for pedestrians.  The trial camera showed only 8 pedestrians crossing the intersection over a 3-day period so the intersection does not meet Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)’s recommendations for a crosswalk, which is 20 pedestrians per hour.  Engineering studies that found that crosswalks in uncontrolled intersections are not recommended unless speed can be reduced to 40 mph and a refuge median installed. Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend that the City Council approve City Staff request that the Police Department use the speed trailer at the Variolite Street/161st Avenue NW intersection periodically to help reduce traffic speeds, and to consider an amendment to the Capital Improvement Plan regarding lowering the grade at the Variolite Street/161st Avenue NW intersection to improve the sight line to the north.
2. Parking Concern Near Rhinestone Street and Ramsey Parkway: PW Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report, and explained that City Staff received an email from a resident expressing concerns about pedestrian safety at the Rhinestone Street/Ramsey Parkway intersection.  He added on-street parking near the intersection limits visibility for pedestrians trying to cross the street to The Draw and Park View East Apartments. After looking at the intersection and reviewing the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, City Staff determined that there should be no on-street parking within 20 feet of the intersection in all directions.  City staff recommends that the yellow curb markings be extended, as needed, to ensure uniform “No Parking” restrictions on all legs of the intersection. Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee to recommend City Council approve that the yellow curb markings be extended, as needed, to ensure uniform “No Parking” restrictions on all legs of the intersection at Rhinestone Street/Ramsey Parkway.
3. Consider Recommending City Council Approval of Plans and Specifications for Improvement Project #17-03, 2017 Crackseal and Sealcoat Improvements: This was presented as a separate case under the May 23, 2017 City Council agenda.

Motion to ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee.