11-25-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 25, 2013 Sohrweide noted that the first question had to do with the effectiveness of variable speed display boards over time. Sohrweide indicated that these boards are typically used in areas of speed transition. Sohrweide indicated that it is difficult to comment on the effectiveness of using a speed board in an area such as LaBore Road where the posted traffic speed is constant. Sohrweide also noted that these boards are typically used in higher traffic volume areas. Deputy Entner noted that the City has purchased a variable speed board and utilizes it in various areas of the City. Entner stated that over the past 10 years, the average speeds on LaBore Road have decreased. Entner also stated that over time the effectiveness of speed boards diminishes, and he did not like LaBore Road was a good location for a permanent speed board. Entner felt utilizing the City's mobile speed board in this area on an intermittent basis was preferable. The second question asked if a 4 -way stop at Arcade and LaBore Road would be effective in slowing speeds (heading N /E) at the curve just to the west of Pinetree Court. Sohrweide stated that it was his opinion that this would not be effective. Speeds may slow within 100 feet of the intersection, but increase from there. Additional noise would also be generated in the area of the 4 -way stop due to vehicles stopping and starting. Sohrweide reported that studies have indicated that if drivers feel a 4 -way stop is unwarranted, in time they will only slow for the stop sign or do a slow roll- through. Sohrweide also pointed out that this area of LaBore Road is basically a residential through street. Sohrweide pointed out that the next two questions relate to crash data, and reported that crash data was reviewed for LaBore Road's intersections with Arcade Street and Pinetree Court/Cherry Hill Lane. Crash data was also reviewed for LaBore Road from Edgerton Street to County Road D. The data reviewed was for the past three years and was obtained from MN DOT as well as the Department of Public Safety, and included reported crashes. Crashes involving the hitting of mailboxes, etc. that are not reported would not be reviewed. The final question related to the LaBore Road curve being identified as a "hot spot" that existed prior to the intersection. Sohrweide reported that crash data for the curve area would not classify this area as a `hot spot ". Sohrweide felt that the curve area is made better with the addition of the LaBore Road /Pinetree Court /Cherry Hill Lane intersection. He also noted that the addition of street lighting in this area is an improvement. Sohrweide suggested that the addition of chevron - shaped, curve ahead warning signs would be an improvement. Sohrweide felt there was nothing unusual about the LaBore Road curve. 2