07/06/1994 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 1 can kick in any time. Mr. Reinert said he believed the city should buy the policy now if there is money available. Mr. Schumacher said he would put it on the City Council agenda for consideration. Mr. Kelly also reviewed the optional accident policy for city boardmembers, which costs $12.75/year per person, while worker's comp costs $86.00 per person. Mr. Bergeson said if board members are employees they should be covered under worker's comp. If they are volunteers, even if they receive a stipend, they should be covered under volunteer coverage. Mr. Reinert questioned where EDAAB members would fit because they don't receive a stipend. Mr. Kelly said the matter might need an interpretation. Mr. Schumacher said EDAAB would be covered under the same statute that says the City Council is authorized to establish any board. Mr. Reinert said the Charter Commission would not be covered because it is not under the direction of the city. Mr. Kelly also explained an umbrella policy that would add coverage over the city's current $1.6 million limit. Mr. Reinert questioned the kinds of claims this would cover. Mr. Schumacher said land use regulation was probably the biggest target for lawsuits. Mr. Reinert said the city has protected itself in this area with its long range plan. Council members discussed the amount of coverage necessary, and what exposure does the city face. Mr. Schumacher said he would check with other cities to see what coverage they have and if they have ever needed it. WARE ROAD - PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Police Chief Dave Pecchia reported that he met twice with residents on Ware Road. The first meeting had 17 households attending with concerns ranging from speeding, truck traffic to stop sign enforcement. Chief Pecchia presented a traffic study and reviewed possible options with the residents. He said the Birch Street/Highway 49 intersection meets the standards for a traffic Tight, but is low on the state and county priority list. Mr. Reinert said much of the traffic problem on Ware Road is caused by people bypassing that intersection, and a traffic light should be pursued. Chief Pecchia said residents were urged to contact their representatives. Chief Pecchia also offered residents the opportunity to sit in squad cars to see radar readouts on Ware Road. Overtime traffic enforcement, paid for by ATAC funds, was placed on Ware Road. A radar unit that counts cars, speed and the time of day was used June 10-13. On June 10 1,927 cars were counted, and most were traveling at 41-42 mph. It is unlikely the state would lower the speed limit based on that. Large "Do Not Pass" signs were installed and 200 letters were sent out to contractors asking them to tell their subs to take a different route. Chief Pecchia met again with residents June 14 and reviewed the issues. More speed signs were ordered and a bike rodeo was planned for Ware Road. Mr. Schumacher said there are several different issues among residents, and Chief Pecchia had addressed the safety concerns. Others are still concerned about the city's plans for 27