HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated May 24, 1994 COUNCIL ACTION FORM
Item # 42;
Date: May 24, 1994
SUBJECT: Designating a "20 MPH" speed limit on South Dakota Avenue at the Todd
Drive intersection during school crossing periods.
BACKGROUND:
As a part of the 1991 South Dakota Avenue widening project, traffic controls were
installed on South Dakota Avenue at the Todd Drive intersection designating a "20
MPH" speed limit during school periods. These controls replaced the temporary stop
signs that were installed on South Dakota Avenue to stop traffic during school periods.
Since Federal Highway Administration funding was used for this project, FHWA officials
stipulated that these temporary stop controls had to be removed since they did not
conform to standards set forth in the FHWA's "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices". During the subsequent school crossing evaluation, it was determined that
designating a lowered "20 MPH" speed limit would enhance safety at the intersection.
Staff believed that with this device, along with an adult crossing guard, school children
would have a safe crossing. Currently, there are approximately five school children that
utilize the crossing during these periods.
During the evaluation for placing this measure, staff members did meet with parents
and school officials to discuss the change in traffic controls for the school crossing on
South Dakota Avenue. Since the measure was implemented in 1991, neither the Police
or Public Works Department had received a complaint concerning safety at the
crossing.
When the traffic control devices were installed on South Dakota Avenue designating the
"20 MPH" speed limit, it was erroneously believed that the measure had been approved
by City Council in an earlier 1989 approval of this project (This project was delayed due
to modification requirements of the Quik Trip business). It was recently brought to the
attention of the Traffic Engineering Division that this measure had not been approved.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt ordinance establishing a "20 MPH" speed zone at the school crossing on
South Dakota Avenue at the Todd Drive intersection during school crossing
periods.
2. Do nothing.
CAF - 20 mph - S.Dakota/Todd
May 24, 1994
Page 2
3. Perform an evaluation to determine if the measure should either be removed, or
supplemented with other control devices.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION•
It is recommended by the City Manager that the City Council adopt alternative number 1
above, thereby establishing the designation of a "20 MPH" speed zone at the school
crossing on South Dakota Avenue at the Todd Drive intersection during school crossing
periods.
COUNCIL ACTION•