HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Works/Planning - 11/22/1988 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 22, 1988
PRESENT: JON JOHNSON JOHN BOND
BERNE BITEMAN MARTIN NIZLEK
JUDY WOODS OFFICER PAT LOWERY
DON WICKSTROM OFFICE BRIAN JONES
GARY GILL MIMI CASTILLO
JIM HANSEN ED LABOUNTY
BILL WILLIAMSON R.E. IRELAND
FEMA - Informational Item
Wickstrom explained FEMA has adopted new guidelines. Wickstrom
continued that we will be developing an ordinance adopting this new
program and bringing it before the Council shortly. If the City
does not adopt the new regulations, developments would be unable
to obtain federally supported (direct or indirect) financing for
projects within these flood plain elevations.
Water System Plan
Wickstrom presented the revised Water System Plan which projects
$11.8 million worth of improvements over the next five years but
no water rate increase. Johnson complimented Wickstrom on writing
such a clear understandable document. The Committee approved the
revised Plan.
Sewer Rate Increase
Metro's rate will increase effective January 1, 1989 to $10.45 per
residential equivalent from the existing rate of $9.90. As has
been done previously, it is proposed we pass this increase on to
Kent's sewer utility customers. This will result in an increase
of 55 cents to each residential equivalent bringing the single
family residential rate to $16.45 per month. Wickstrom stated we
would be bringing an ordinance before Council adopting the new
rate. The Committee unanimously recomended approval. Biteman
asked for a breakdown of the operation charge included in the
monthly rate.
Speed is - CntaAvenue
- S. 212th Street
Nizlek reported the speed studies on S. 212th showed the 85th
percentile speeds to be approximate to the 40 MPH posted speed
k
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November 22, 1988
Page 2
limit. There has not been any accident experience which would
warrant decreasing the speed limit. On Central Avenue, the 85th
percentile both north and south bound were within I MPH of 42 MPH.
The posted speed limit is 35 MPH. Nizlek stated he would not
recommend any changes for either of these streets. Nizlek added
he did drive over the tracks on 212th Street at 40 MPH. While the
ride is not the most comfortable now, these tracks will be improved
with the new rubberized crossing which will be installed shortly.
Wickstrom explained the speed limit on Central was reduced to 30
MPH during construction and the ordinance which will be before
Council will raise it back to the preconstruction limit of 35 MPH.
Bond reported that during October the police department spent 13
hours patrolling the 1000 block of Central and wrote 57 citations
and 47 warnings and all would have been for speeds in excess of 15
MPH over the posted speed limit. The Committee unanimously
approved leaving the speed limits as posted. This ordinance will
be brought back before Council for adoption.
Sight Distance - 253rd and Reith Road
Nizlek reviewed the situation with those present and concluded
there is adequate sight distance for those vehicles on 253rd to see
vehicles coming down the hill on Reith but inadequate to see those
coming up the hill on Reith. Mr. Ireland suggested the stop bar
on 253rd be moved up and suggested realigning Reith Road. Mr.
Nizlek suggested rather than realigning there were other options.
He suggested some rechannelization for vehicles on Reith Road
giving those coming up the hill a left turn pocket; move the stop
bar on 253rd forward about three feet. Nizlek also suggested it
was possible to install a detector on 253rd which could activate
a flashing advisory sign to those vehicles coming up Reith to slow
speed to 30 MPH. Mr. LaBounty commented that if you stop at the
stop bar you can not see any oncoming vehicles from the left but
can from the right if you pull forward. The fence currently
doesn't present too much of a problem. He asked for increased
police enforcement of the speed limit in the area. He addressed
the difficulty of turning left onto 253rd off Reith Road. Mr.
Ireland echoed the need for increased enforcement. The Committee
unanimously recommended that staff engineer the proposed
rechannelization, develop cost estimates for that , as well as the
proposed flasher installation, move the stop bar on 253rd forward
as much as possible and determine if a portion of the fence in
question needs to be removed. The costs for these revisions will
be brought back to Committee for funding authorization. Johnson
suggested also the Police Department be requested to provide
increased enforcement of the area. Mr. Ireland and Mr. LaBounty
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November 22, 1988
Page 3
gave Officer Jones information as to locations and times.
Biteman asked staff look at the intersection of Lake Fenwick Road
and Reith Road, that the buttons are too far forward.
Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program IIpdate
Nizlek reported that 22 requests for the program have been
received. These have been screened to five areas. Expenditures
to date have been approximately $2,500, $1,700 of which was for the
radar gun which is loaned out to the neighborhood+ Approximately
500 brochures have been distributed and two neighborhood meetings
held. The Committee expressed an interest in he4ri.ing more about
the Program but due to time constraints for this meeting asked that
the item be placed on the next Public Works Committee agenda.
Biteman complimented staff on their responsiveness to these issues.
Johnson asked that the Committee be kept apprised , of the areas
participating in the program and of any difficulties arising.
Restriction of Free Right Turns
Johnson explained his concern was for areas similar to Central and
James. Those vehicles traveling north on Central turning east onto
James using a free right turn are also competing for the lane with
those vehicles traveling south on Central and turning east onto
James from the two left turn lanes. Johnson eiMkessed concern
about the accident potential. John Bond added that the double left
turn on Central onto James will be eliminated shortly. It was
allowed during Smith Street construction. Johnson stated that
would seem to correct the situation.
Russell Road Closure
Hansen informed the Committee that involved Department Heads had
met recently on this issue. It is being recommended that Russell
Road remain open. Wickstrom explained we will have to bring an
ordinance before Council as the road was closed by, ordinance. The
Committee unanimously recommended approval of� the ordinance
allowing Russell Road to remain open.
Ring County Citizens for Improved Transportation
The City has received a request for a $1,000 donation for the Ring
County Citizens for Improved Transportation group. Their
literature indicates they will compile a "consensus of needs and
work with the 1989 legislature to get meaningful i action on a
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November 22, 1988
Page 4
transportation funding package". The Committee asked that staff
verify the legitimacy of this group before approving any
expenditure. The Committee recommended approve, cif the $1,000
donation only after staff verification.
Other Items
Biteman stated he had met with Ron Bockstruck of DOT regarding the
intersection of Meeker and SR 516. Biteman has received a letter
from Mr. Bockstruck indicating the intersection-hays been placed on
their project list.