HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-14-2000 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Joint Meeting
Cities of Medicine Lake & Plymouth
February 14, 2000
A Joint Meeting of the Medicine Lake and Plymouth City Councils was conducted on
February 14, 2000 at 4:10 p.m. at the Medicine Lake City Hall.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown, Johnson,
Harstad (arrived at 4:15 p. m.).
COUNCIL ABSENT: Councilmembers Slavik, Bildsoe, and Black.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, Public
Works Director Moore, Public Safety Director Gerdes, and City Clerk Paulson.
MEDICINE LAKE COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Schrader, Councilmembers O'Toole,
Hoshal, and Leonard.
COUNCIL ABSENT: Councilmember Young.
STAFF PRESENT: City Clerk Deitte.
Mayor Tierney stated the purpose of this joint meeting is to discuss the speed hump that
exists on South Shore Drive which is located approximately midway between 10`"
Avenue and the City of Medicine Lake, and other related street and Luce Line trail
issues. Lastly, she stated that the speed hump in question is somewhat drastic, and
perhaps it could be modified to make it less jarring for vehicles.
Mayor Schrader presented a packet of materials to the Councilmembers relating to the
history of the speed hump as well as traffic studies.
A discussion was held on the placement of a bike path — whether it would be striped on
the roadway or off the roadway especially as it relates to the speed of traffic. Public
Safety Director Gerdes stated the bike path only impacts the speed limit for traffic if it is
constructed on the roadway.
City Manager Johnson asked if this roadway is eligible for State Aid funding. Public
Works Director Moore replied the City of Medicine Lake would only be eligible if the
County designates this roadway as part of the County State Aid system. However, in
order for this to occur, the County would need to delete another State Aid roadway.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Joint Meeting of February 14, 2000
Page 2 of 3
Fred stated the City's traffic count was about 1,500 vehicles per day on the north/south
roadway that contains this particular speed hump. The speed of the vehicles 300' on both
sides of the speed hump was 30 mph while the speed at the speed hump was 19 mph.
Mayor Tierney stated she would prefer that the speed hump be removed especially as it
relates to safety. If the speed hump would be removed, the cities could consider
redesigning South Shore Drive taking into consideration the Luce Line Trail with both
cities sharing in the cost of reconstructing the road. She stated she would also request
that signs be installed for pedestrian crossings for the trail. The street reconstruction
consist of an off-road pedestrian path, or on -road bike lanes.
Mayor Schrader agreed with Mayor Tierney's comments. He stated speed studies could
still be conducted if the speed hump is removed. Lastly, if the bike path were to be
located on South Shore Drive off the road, he suggested it be located on the west side of
the road.
The councilmembers identified criteria that they envision for this roadway that included:
1. Bike and pedestrian pathways that accommodate both users.
2. Safe street crossing for the Luce Line Trail.
3. Safe street crossing for the children traveling to the playground area.
4. Speed limit of 25 mph for vehicles.
Both councils suggested Public Works Director Moore work with both cities in reviewing
alternative solutions for this roadway taking into consideration the criteria listed above.
If the roadway were to be reconstructed, each City would pay for their portion located in
their respective city.
Public Works Director Moore informed both Councils that the only way to achieve the 25
mph speed limit on the roadway is to construct the bike path on the road. The bike path
needs to be a part of the road, and it would be marked with a white striped line. In
addition, stated there may be a major drainage problem associated with an off-road trail.
He stated there would be a problem with surface drainage, and a bike/pedestrian path
couldn't be constructed without removing tress and improving the drainage.
The Councils received comments from City of Medicine Lake residents who were in
attendance. Their opinions varied on the speed hump, safety in the area, pedestrian
traffic, the Luce Line Trail, and the speed of the road.
A brief discussion was held whether an all way stop sign at I Ith Avenue would be
effective as it relates both to the pedestrian and the motorists.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Joint Meeting of February 14, 2000
Page 3 of 3
Public Works Director Moore stated the Engineering staff had reviewed the speed hump
in question to determine whether the speed hump should be reshaped, and it does require
reshaping. This cannot be accomplished until warmer weather.
Mayor Tierney stated in conclusion, the councils should be considering short-term goals
which addresse the speed hump and/or stop sign at 11'h Avenue, and a long-term goal for
a pathway for the pedestrian traffic. Both councils determined that public input would be
solicited once options are presented to the councils.
Councilmembers Johnson and Brown left the meeting at 5:40 p.m. There was no longer a
quorum of the Plymouth City Council.
A few other issues were discussed by the councils which included the maintenance of
Bassett Creek bridge and a proposed development adjacent to the Country House. No
action was taken on any items discussed at the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk