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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – FEBRUARY 10, 2020 3 Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported a primary recommendation from the traffic study involves the establishment of a school zone speed limit along Lake Valentine Road due to the current posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour and peak hour pedestrian crossing counts exceeding 250 pedestrians. The consultant recommends implementation of the school zone speed limit at this time as an initial safety measure while additional safety improvements are evaluated and constructed during the 2020 construction season. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom explained local authorities may establish a school speed limit within a school zone of a public or nonpublic school upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation. This investigation was included within the scope of work for the traffic study awarded to WSB in September 2019. A memo summarizing the findings of the school zone speed limit investigation was reviewed with the Council. The proposed school zone speed limit, the effective hours, and the extent of the school zone are recommended by City staff and Mounds View School District staff. Councilmember Holmes stated she did not object to the 25 mile per hour speed limit near the school. She questioned if there was enough activity at the school throughout the week that the school speed limit should be in place at all times. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom commented this was a valid safety concern. He stated the effectiveness of getting cars to slow down was to create an isolated timeframe when children are present for school arrival and dismissal. He reported a pedestrian traffic signal may be considered in the future, along with reconfiguration to the entrance to the parking lot. Councilmember Holden discussed how different the traffic was between Valentine Hills Elementary School and the Mounds View High School. She reported the traffic at the high school was all day and at night. Mayor Grant questioned how staff decided on 230 feet to the west and 110 to the east. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom explained there was guidance in Minnesota State Statute for establishing a school speed zone and the area of pedestrian activity adjacent to the school. Councilmember Holden stated students would need to learn how to cross the street properly with the pedestrian crossing future lights. She anticipated the City could change the school speed zone timeframe in the future if concerns were to arise. Councilmember Holmes believed it made more sense to have the school speed limit in place at all times and not just during arrival and departure times. Councilmember McClung stated he believed the flashing speed signs would be important. He asked who would be paying for the signs based upon the conditions of approval for the school site improvements. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported the school district would be paying for the signs.