HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 1, 1974October 1, 1974
Official Proceedings
Special Meeting
Hearing on Placement of 4-Way Stop Signs at 44th Avenue and McLeod Street
October 1, 1974
Meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. Roll Call - Heintz, Land,
Nawrocki - present. Logacz and Norberg - absent.
Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to appoint Vicki Maternowsky Secretary
Pro-Tem for this meeting. Roll Call - All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki began the meeting by discussing what the purpose of the
meeting was and stating what the order of business for the meeting would
be. First, Peter Fausch from Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc. would give
a presentation on the study he made regarding 44th Avenue and McLeod
Street. Following Mr. Fausch's presentation, a discussion would be held
between the Council members and residents. Finally, the Council would
make their decision on the matter.
Fourteen residents were present at this hearing.
Peter Fausch's Report
Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc. prepared an eight page analysis of impact
on a 4-way stop at 44th and McLeod. Mr. Fausch summarized the report
through the use of charts. First~ he presented a map showing the existing
conditi~ons of 44th and McLeod. In addition to pointing out the physical
conditions, he also presented a traffic count, pedestrian count and acci-
dent report.
The second chart listed the concerns, guidelines for a 4-way stop, and
the impacts of a 4-way stop. Concerns included safety of pedestrians
crossing, speed, and number of accidents involving parked cars. Certain
guidelines are used in determining what type of traffic is warranted at
an intersection. The guidelines are as follows:
1. Six basic requirements which are adapted from the Minnesota Manual
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, page 1.
2. Five or more accidents.
3. Balanced volumes--5OO vehicles per hour/8 hours
4. Trade Offs--accidents, delay, noise, carbon monoxide versus crossings
concern.
A 4-way stop at 44th and McLeod would have the following impacts:
1 Speeds in intersection reduced (stop 3800).
2 Might be less crossing risk.
3 Speed mid block--no change or increase.
4 Increase in rear end accidents [most important factor)
5 Diversion to other streets.
6 Additional delay to traffic--510 minutes/day.
7. Noise--20% increase over 70 db.
8. Carbon monoxide increase--lO30 grams/day released.
9. More fuel--6500 gallons/year.
10. No impact on parked car accidents.
The third chart showed alternate approaches to the 4-way stop. They
are as follows:
1. Sidewalks
2.
3.
4.
No Parking 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.
Stripe 22 feet for walk areas.
Pedestrian crossing treatment including signs, marking, and advanced
warning signs.
5. Education to pedestrians.
6. Try for six months--monitor
Discussion
Following Mr. Fausch's presentation, a lengthy discussion was held. The
suggested approaches were viewed and commented on by both the residents
and Council. One gentleman did not want to cut 5 feet from his property
for a sidewalk. Another gentleman suggested placing sidewalks in the
alley. Mr. Clayton Berg from the Engineering Department reported that a
sidewalk would cost approximately $7.00 to $8.00 per foot. Placing a
sidewalk on 44th Avenue would be difficult because of the grade problems
there. It was generally felt by the residents that 44th Avenue is a
"racetrack" and that something has to be done to reduce the speeding in
order to make it safe for the pedestrians. A gentleman wanted to know
why the Council would allow stop signs at 43½ Avenue and not at 44th
Avenue. 43½ Avenue had more cars on it that it should have since the only
cars traveling on 43½ should be the ones that live in that area. The idea
of the signs was to deter traffic from the unapproved street to a state
aid street such as 44th Avenue since these streets can handle heavy
traffic. One gentlemen commented on the excessive mid block speeding.
He felt that painting and signing would not control this. Councilman
Heintz commented that in order to maintain 30 mph in mid block, a person
would have to apply the brakes all the way down the hill. Therefore,
a 4-way stop would not help mid block speeding. A gentleman felt that
if a concentrated tagging of people was administered for a couple of days,
it would then help slow down the traffic. One of the residents asked Mr.
Berg to give an hour to hour traffic count on 44th Avenue. Mr. Fausch
stated one of the problems of 44th Avenue is that it will have to carry
more traffic so that traffic is not diverted to other residential streets.
Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz that traffic controls for 44th Avenue
be implemented as follows:
1. Eleven foot traffic lanes be provided by painting solid white lines
on both sides of 44th from Tyler Place to Reservoir Boulevard.
2. Provide Ped X-ings at both 44th and McLeod and 44th and Tyler Place
with all necessary signing and advanced warnings.
3. Restrict parking on both sides of 44th Avenue from Tyler Place to
Reservoir Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Roll Call - All Ayes
Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to adjourn the meeting at 9:46 p.m.
Roll Call - All Ayes
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Secretary P ro-Tem