06/10/1985 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 1 COUNCIL MEETING Juno 10, 1985 Page Two Mr. Jungbauer had researched the cost of the signs, approximately $50.00 for each sign. He also stated posting a 20 mile an hour speed zone could help the situation. Mr. Hawkins said he did not think this would be a legal issue. He felt it was a safety issue. Mr. Bohjanen asked if the wording had any effect on whether or not the City has any liability. Mr. Haw- kins said he did not think so, its a public safety issue. The Council has to determine if the sign is necessary, if it is a valid expenditure and if the sign would be an effective deterrent. • Mr. Volk explained about four (4) years ago the City had a total sign survey done by an engineer, the Council adopted a signing policy, and the City applied for grant money to completely resign the City. That engineer had recommended all "Children at Play" signs and other similar signs be taken down. Mr. Kulaszewicz asked what was the reasoning for removing the signs. Mr. Davidson an- swered and said it was a matter of having uniformity in signing and relates to the Uniform Control Manual adopted by the state to provide a uniform method of signing streets. Nonuniform signs such as "Children at Play " are considered to be more detrimental to traffic safety. It gives children the false impression they can play in the street if the sign is up. If the driver cannot see the children in the street, he surely will not see the sign. The approach to traffic safety is uniformity in signing and the method of signing is either;1) install signs under warrant, or 2) install them indescriminately, traffic engineers are adverse to having non - uniform signs up on street systems. Mr. Volk agreed with Mr. Davidson's statements. Mr. Kulaszewicz said he felt if the sign was posted it would be deterrant and it would benefit the people in that area. Mayor Benson asked Mr. Hawkins, who determines where signs are to be located. Mr. Hawkins said he was not sure whether there was any direct relationship between having a sign posted and the safety of the children. Unless it was a terribly unsafe situation, he felt there was no safety significance in posting the sign. Mr. Bohjanen asked if the speed limit could be reduced in this area. Mr. Hawkins said a speed study would have to be conducted by the State and their approval. Mrs. Seekon asked what the speed limit is on Main Street. She was told 40 miles per hour and it is a County Road and is controlled by the County. Mayor Benson suggested she should petition the Coun- ty to do a speed study on this street. Mr. Bisel suggested placing a sign temporarily during June, July and August and get a report back to see if it really does reduce traffic 015