Agenda Packets - 1989/07/17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM Memo To :Don Pauley, Clerk -Administrator > • From :Ric Minetor, City Engineer Date :April 10, 1989 ^ Subject :"SLOW CHILDREN PLAYING" Sign Request The Minnesota Statuteq require sign to be consistent with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The purpose is to promote uniformity of traffic signs and regulations across the state and to limit proliferation of signs which might reduce the benefit of signs which are appropriate. Therefore, cities are not at liberty to ignore this standard. The MUTCD sets standards for the use of certain signs as well as standards for signing in general. The 'playground sign' is limited to areas designated as children's play areas, i.e. parks, schools, baaches, etc. This sign is either a symbol sign showing two children on a teeter - totter or a sign with the message "CHILDREN PLAYING" or a similar message. It is normally a 36" diamond sign with a black message �� on a yellow background. To enhance the effectiveness of this sign at parks and similar locations, its use or use of similar signs should be restricted to only areas used by large numbers of children. Even a park without play equipment or athletic fields should not have these signs. Many residents dislike this restriction. Their attitude is that these signs should be located in areas where children live. This would require signs on nearly every street in the City and would almost eliminate any effectiveness of the sign at truly hazardous locations. I have been involved with this controversy many times as a traffic engineer; at the City of Wheat Ridge a solution was reached that met the residents concerns. A green rectangular sign with a white legend was authorized for use in limited locations. The sign read "PROTECT OUR CHILDREN - PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY". I would suggest we adopt a similar policy. A legend and color scheme should be adopted, blue letters on a white/silver background or white letters on a green background are acceptable; but all signs should be the same. I personally favor blue on white. Conditions should be set for the installation, i.e. a minimum concentration of children under a certain age; number of signs; roads/streets on which signs can be placed; location and height of signs; and reasons for removal. This last is important, the concentrations of children vary and at some time there would be no benefit in continuing to have the sign. I would recommend J