HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated April 23, 1996 Item # 3 7 a
Date: April 23, 1996
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: APPROVING THE SCHOOL TRAFFIC SIGNAL
INSTALLATION AT THE NORTHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BACKGROUND:
Staff has been working with Northwood Elementary School officials and parents to
install a mid-block traffic signal on Duff Avenue in front of the Northwood School. With
this placement, the temporary stop signs on Duff Avenue at the Kellogg Avenue
intersection will be removed. The measure is in conjunction with the plan to improve
crossing safety for all school children in the City.
The plan to install a mid-block school signal in front of the Northwood Elementary
School is intended to improve crossing safety. With the signal, school children will be
able to safely cross Duff Avenue during all periods by activating the signal's push
button. (Currently, the temporary school stop signs are only placed during the 7:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. period.) This will allow children access to the school during evening
and summer periods when the temporary school controls are not typically set out into
the street.
The traffic signal also affords safety since it is more visible than the temporary school
stops. The signal will consist of two mast arm poles with traffic signal heads placed
over the street. These will be visible for up to 1,000 feet, whereas the temporary
school stops are only visible to motorists at a 250 foot distance.
Lastly, the school children will be able to cross at a mid-block location that is void of
turning traffic. Currently, there is a potential for conflict at the existing school crossing
at the Duff Avenue/Kellogg Avenue intersection due to the presence of turning traffic on
Kellogg Avenue. This traffic is able to make right and left hand turns when children are
crossing. However, at the mid-block location this is avoided since there is no side
street approach.
The school signal will be placed on Duff Avenue between Grove Avenue and Kellogg
Avenue. In conjunction with this traffic control, parking prohibitions will be marked 100
feet in advance, and 20 feet following the signal. (The current parking prohibitions at
the Kellogg Avenue/Duff Avenue school crossing will be modified). The $8,000 cost for
the school signal has been programmed as a 1996-97 Capital Improvement Project.
An ordinance to change parking regulations will be necessary.
CAF - Approve School Signal - Northwood
April 23, 1996
Page 2
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the installation of a mid-block school signal on Duff Avenue in front of
the Northwood School. This will replace the current temporary school stop at the
Kellogg Avenue/Duff Avenue intersection. In addition, direct the City Attorney to
prepare the necessary ordinance changes to accomplish this installation.
2. Do nothing.
3. Modify the measure.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt alternative
number one, thereby approving the installation of a mid-block school signal on Duff
Avenue in front of the Northwood School, and direct the City Attorney to prepare the
ncessary ordinance changes. The City Manager can administratively amend the list of
protected school stop crossings to remove the Kellogg Avenue/Duff Avenue location.
COUNCIL ACTION:
AANORTHWOD.423
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