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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Works/Planning - 10/21/1992 9 d�71_ eA�L4' CITY OF KENT PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OCTOBER 21, 1992 PRESENT: Jim Bennett Roger Lubovich Paul Mann Norm Angelo Don Wickstrom Ed White Tom Brubaker Mr. & Mrs. Rust Tony McCarthy Andy Gomez Gary Gill Signal Coordination Plan Interlocal Agreement Wickstrom explained that this is an interlocal agreement between Tukwila, Renton, King County and WSDOT for preliminary investigations on coordinating our signal systems on the north/south route of West Valley Highway. Kent Is participation, at this time, is staff time only; some costs will be incurred by the other agencies. Wickstrom explained that this is the first phase of a multi-phase project and could lead to a grant! project with a coordinated signal system tied into the freeway system. Bennett concurred with the need for such a system and asked how long it would take to establish this. Ed White responded that a large part of the work has already been done because we were donating in-kind services and- did not have to wait for all of the jurisdictions to come up with the money. The preliminary data gathering and analysis has been completed by the Kent staff. White determined that this would mean a two to three month process once the signed agreement is bark from all the jurisdictions. The Committee unanimously recommended approval for the Mayor to sign the interlocal agreement. Canterbury 401/Eastwood 403 Bills of Sale Wickstrom explained that these are residential plats developed in the City in the vicinity of 100th Ave. SE & SE 248th St. We are recommending the bill of sales be accepted for the sewer, water and street improvements. The Committee unanimously recommended approval. Meridian Green II Apartments Bill of Sale This is a similar type situation as Canterbury and Eastwood other than the fact that this is an apartment complex that required sewer and water extensions. The apartment complex was built in the vicinity of Kent Kangley and 114th Ave SE. This also is a matter of accepting the bill of sale for sewer and water extensions as complete. The Committee unanimously recommended approval. Rainier Properties Remodel Bill of Sale Wickstrom explained that Rainier Properties had some storm drainage improvements in conjunction with the development on N. Washington Avenue. This is a matter of accepting the storm drainage improvement. The Committee unanimously recommended approval. Other At this time Jim Bennett introduced Andy Gomez, Manager of Farrington Court who expressed concerns regarding the traffic volume and the speed limit on Gowe and Titus Streets. Mr. Gomez explained that there are 115 residents in Farrington Court - average age is 85; their main activity being participation in the programs at the Kent Senior Center. Mr. Gomez stated that attempting to cross the street at Gowe & Kennebeck or at Reiten Rd & Titus, is very difficult. Ed White stated that during the last year there were two accidents in that area. Traffic staff did numerous visual surveys, some traffic counts, some speed analysis and have determined that it is a fairly heavily traveled street. There is an average of 13, 000 - 14, 000 cars per day. Average speed ranges from 30 - 39 MPH. Traffic staff looked at the intersections; specifically Kennebeck and Reiten in an attempt to justify a 4 way stop, as was previously suggested. Using the normal "warranting system" , this location does not come close to warrant any type of device. Part of the warrants that we do use requires a certain side street traffic volume. However, Ed stated he realizes that there is a potential safety problem there with the speeds. Ed White's recommendation was to have the seniors walk up to Canyon Drive and cross at the signal. When there is a "safety" vs. "convenience" issue we should work towards safety. Mr. Gomez felt that the extra walking would make a difference to the seniors since they are elderly people. Paul Mann noted his strong feelings for the need to address the community in the area of "pedestrians first" . Mann felt a 4-way stop may inconvenience the traffic however; once the stop signs were in place, people would become conditioned to them. Wickstrom stated however, that if you start impeding traffic with all these lights and stop signs, more vehicle accidents and injuries will occur. He stated the need to be equally concerned about drivers as well as the pedestrians. As such, a balance needs to be struck. Bennett recommended that this item be brought back to the next meeting and requested Ed White to make a more detailed presentation at that time, so that a conclusion could be reached.