CC_Minutes_2012_1203 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,December 03, 2012 Page 32 county related to this dangerous intersection. However, Councilmember John- son noted that they also didn't anticipate any different results than those already received. Councilmember Johnson asked that the City Council take it upon themselves to earmark money from existing reserves to pay for an electronic crosswalk at this intersection. Public Works Director Duane Schwartz provided additional information beyond the staff report based on previous discussions with Ramsey County. Mr. Schwartz noted that the average crosswalk signal, similar to that at Central Park, was in the range of$20,000; with another type of signal to stop traffic (Hawk Signal) would cost $150,000. However, Mr. Schwartz noted that the Hawk op- tion would have broader implications to traffic; and require further study to identify those impacts for the intersection at Lexington and Larpenteur Ave- nues. Discussion ensued regarding the need to receive permission from Ramsey County for any type of signal installation, which was typically a local cost. Councilmember Willmus spoke in support of analyzing some type of signaliza- tion at this intersection to assist pedestrians. Councilmember Willmus voiced one concern he had, referencing the signal at Victoria serving a two (2) lane road, but this one required to serve a five (5) lane road. Councilmember Willmus expressed concern that the situation not be made worse; and advised that he would require additional information and examples of similar situations in other cities; however, he reiterated that he was more than willing to look at allocating funding for a crosswalk signal. Mr. Schwartz recognized Councilmember Willmus' concerns; and advised that staff would return to the City Council with Ramsey County's concerns or issues. Mr. Schwartz noted that a personal concern was not having a safe refuge in the middle of the five (5) lanes, since there was a center turn lane rather than a me- dian. Councilmember Johnson opined that cost should not be an issue at all; but that all due diligence be completed to alleviate this serious situation; further opining that it was only a matter of time before something happened at the intersection. Councilmember Johnson asked that future City Councilmembers keep this at the forefront, opining that it was paramount to the safety of residents in that area; and asked that the City Council remain fervent in its pursuit of a solution. At the same time, Councilmember Johnson suggested other opportunities be taken to visit some other intersections (e.g. Snelling Avenue); and offered his service as a citizen to keep the ball rolling.