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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 08-20-1990 SpecialCITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 DATE: August 17, 1990 TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: James G. Willis, City Manager\` SUBJECT: STUDY MEETING - AUGUST 20, 5.a P.M. Monday evening we are scheduled for a study meeting commencing at 5:00 p.m. and concluding by 6:30 p.m. Two items are proposed to be discussed: 1) stop sign policy; and 2) City Manager job description/performance and objectives. Attached are memos dealing with each of these two topics. j MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 DATE: August 17, 1990 TO: James G. Willis, City Manager FROM: Fred G. Moore, %Director of Public Works SUBJECT: STOP SIGN POLICY At a special study session held by the City Council on February 24, 1990, one of the items the City Council considered was the City's Stop Sign Policy. The policy which previously had been in effect was suspended by the City Council since they were not going by the guidelines set forth in the policy. Attached is the information the City Council received at that study session. At the February study session, the Council did not reach any conclusion with regard to the Stop Sign Policy. The Council had suspended the policy because of requests made for stop signs by citizens in the fall of 1989. Since February of 1990, there have been no requests for stop signs which the City Engineer has not satisfied the petitioners, and therefore, the request presented to the City Council. The stop sign policy, which is currently under suspension, was effective for the seven year period it was in use. It is my recommendation that the City Council reinstate the previous policy with one modification. In Item No. 5 of the policy it states: Residents will be advised that they have an opportunity to bring their request before the City Council for consideration if they are not satisfied with the City Engineer's recommendation." In order to receive a broader citizen input on the request, I would recommend that a provision be added requiring a certain percentage of property owner's signature on the petition requesting the stop sign. This provision is included in the policy which the City of Robbinsdale has adopted. I would recommend the following be added: The signatures of 70% of the residents whose property lies within a 500 foot radius from the intersecting street centerlines. This 500 foot distance shall be extended in all directions to the first intersecting street. By adding this additional provision the City Council will receive greater citizen input on the request and not from a very localized area. FGM:kh attachment CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 0 MEMO DATE: February 22, 1990 TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: James G. Willis, City Manager SUBJECT STOP SIGN POLICY The City Council directed that the question of the City Stop Sign Policy be placed upon the Special Council Meeting Agenda for Saturday, February 24. Attached is a memorandum from Dan Faulkner, City Engineer, to Fred Moore, which discusses his findings with respect to the stop sign policies in adja- cent communities. Attached to Dan's memorandum is one of the few policies he was able to find in operation in the twin city area. Also attached is a copy of the City's existing policy concerning requests for stop sign instal- lation. The Council may wish to consider whether it desires to reformat the existing policy into one which is more like that used by Robbinsdale and whether or not the Council desires to formulate a committee consisting of represen- tatives from Engineering, Police, and Planning to evaluate formal requests and formulate recommendations to the Council. As suggested by Dan Faulkner, the committee would be convened only to consider those requests which are gray area" requests from a warrant standpoint and those requests which have been denied by the City Engineer and are being appealed to the City Council. I have asked Fred Moore to be present at the meeting to be prepared to discuss this proposal further with the Council, as well as to respond to any questions you may have. JW:kec MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 DATE: January 16, 1990 TO: r d G. Moore, Director of Public Works FROM: Daniel L. Faulkner, City Engineer SUBJECT: STOP SIGN POLICY On November 6, 1989, the City Council suspended the policy concerning requests for stop sign installation. You, subsequently, requested that I survey a number of cities similar in size to Plymouth in order to determine their policy on all -way stop sign requests in residential areas. The stop sign policy in the following communities is simply to follow the state warrants as established in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. These communities are: Maple Grove St. Louis Park Eagan Eden Prairie Minnetonka Brooklyn Park Some of these communities do have the necessary hardware to obtain speed and volume information when a stop sign request is made. The hardware is similar to the old traffic counter boxes with air hoses extending across the traffic lanes, but they are more sophisticated today and can also obtain speed information. Some of the cities that utilize this type of equipment include Maple Grove Eden Prairie Minnetonka The City of Robbinsdale is one of the few cities that has a separate policy regarding stop sign installation and removal of stop signs. I am attaching a copy of this policy and the cover letter from Lee Gustafson, their Public Works Director. The essence of the policy is to require a high number of signatures on a petition in order to circumvent very localized requests. The cities of Richfield and White Bear Lake both utilize committees to evaluate stop sign requests. The committees are comprised of the Police Chief and Public Works Director at a minimum. In the case of Richfield, the City Council has passed a resolution transferring power to authorize SUBJECT: STOP SIGN POLICY January 16, 1990 Page Two the stop sign requests to the City Manager. The City Manager in turn receives reports on all requests from the traffic control committee before he makes a decision. While there is some question of the legality of the City Manager rather than the City Council making these decisions, the City of Richfield has not yet been challenged. In the case of all other cities interviewed, the decision lies with their respective City Councils. In the case of most cities interviewed, the predominant request for stop signs is for speed control. The common response of the respective cities was that they do not consider stop signs for speed control and by and large are supported by their respective City Councils. It is my recommendation that the City of Plymouth adopt a stop sign policy based on the state warrants as established in the MUTCD. In addition, a committee should be formed with representatives from Engineering, the Police Department and the Community Development Department in order to evaluate all formal requests and formulate a recommendation to the City Council. With a committee approach, I feel that the City Council would provide a higher level of support to the staff recommendation. All requests should continue to be made in writing to the City Engineer. The committee would only be convened to consider those requests which are in the "gray area" from a warrant standpoint and also requests which have been denied by the City Engineer and are now being appealed to the City Council. By copy of this memorandum to Ken Johnson, I am requesting that he contact the cities of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Maple Grove in order to obtain more information about their speed and traffic counting devices. I feel that we could utilize these devices in order to obtain more concrete information with regard to speed and traffic volumes and thereby support our stop sign recommendations more forcefully. DLF:kh attachment cc: Ken Johnson, Engineering Aide Darrell Johnson, Senior Engineering Technician PIYMput1% POLICY CONCERNING REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN INSTALLATION i Resolution No. 82-590 November 1, 1982 (Supersedes Res. No. 81-389, dated dune 22, 1981) The City Council is granted the authority to approve or deny requests for stop signs at intersections within the City. The City Council is aware that because of the emotional situation often sur- rounding such requests, it is sometimes difficult to analyze the request using rational criteria. To enhance the Council's ability to use rational criteria in evaluating stop sign requests and minimize the proliferation of signage, except where required, the following guidelines are adopted: 1. All stop sign requests are to be directed to the Engineering Division. 2. The City Engineer will evaluate each request using the State Uniform Traffic Warrant Criteria. A stop sign may be required at an intersection where one or more of the following conditions exist: a. The intersection of a less important road with the main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule is unduly hazardous. b. A street enters a through highway or street. c. Unsignalized intersections in an otherwise signalized area. d. Other intersections where combination of high speed, restricted view, and serious accident record indicates a need for control by the stop sign. (Further information about stop sign criteria is available in the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Devices.) 3. If the intersection meets the criteria set forth in the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Devices, the City Engineer will request City Council approval of a resolution authorizing stop sign intallation. 4. If the signs do not meet the criteria, the City Engineer will respond to the requesting party providing the reasons why the signs are not recommended. 5. Residents will be advised that they have an opportunity to bring their request before the City Council for consideration if they arenot satisfied with the City Engineer's recommendation. 6. Following a presentation by the petitioner, the City Council may direct that: a. An independent traffic analysis be undertaken. b. That the Public Safety Department perform radar surveillance of the intersection; or c. Deny the request. 11- 7. If an independent traffic analysis is ordered, the City Council may approve or deny the stop sign request based upon the Council's evaluation of the analysis. 8. If the radar surveillance study shows excessive vehicular speed at the intersection then the Council may order or staff will undertake radar ticketing in an effort to bring vehicular speed into conformance with the posted speed limit. A report as to the effectiveness of such continuinq efforts shall be periodically provided to the City Council as a means of showing the status of enforcement efforts. 11a- 4 p. b , .s4 -1e_ STOP SIGN INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL POLICY PURPOSE To provide a uniform policy to control the installation and removal of stop signs. INTRODUCTION To be effective, a stop sign must be used at the right place and under the right circumstances. Problems often arise when the conditions of an inter- section -do not meet State and federal standards for warranting stop sign installations. Studies indicate that when stop signs are installed to control speed the problems encountered include: A high incidence of intentional violations. Noise levels at intersections increase. When enforcement of the intersection is observed, most of the citations are issued to nearby residents who may have campaigned for the sign in the first place. Speed reduction will take place at the stop sign; however, the speed between intersections increases. Hence, accidents can increase, not diminish. In addition, stop signs increase air pollution, increase gas consumption, and generally increase vehicle operating costs. By obeying stop signs, motorists consume an additional 1,000 gallons of fuel per stop sign per year. (Based on 1,000 ADT) Hence, the 335 stop signs now in Robbinsdale are responsible for adding an estimated 335,000 gallons of fuel per year to the public's fuel bill. This amount would supply an average full serve service station with enough fuel for an entire year. Future problems can be avoided by following the guidelines set forth in this policy. Portions of the guidelines are taken from State and Federal policies that warrant stop sign installations. Some of the conditions that are looked at for warranting a stop sign are: Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way is unduly hazardous. Resolution No. 3467 Page 2 of 4 Street entering a through highway or street. Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area. Other intersections where a,combination of high speed, restricted view, and serious accident record indicate a need for control by a stop sign. High rate of pedestrian traffic. For a stop sign to be installed the above conditions must govern. The installation must lead to an improvement in safety with the sign rather than a detriment. POLICY PROVISIONS A. Definitions. 1. Mid Block - all areas of a block excluding intersections. 2. Major Street - any State, County, or State Aid roadway. any municipal street other than above having a superior traffic count to the intersecting street. B. How Installations Are Requested. 1. If recommended by the City Engineer. 2. If a petition is submitted to the City Council containing "d3-1 of the following: a. The signatures of 51% of residents whose property lies within a 135 foot radius from the intersecting street centerlines. b. The signatures of -51 percent of the remaining residents up to the adjacent intersections that abut the intersecting streets. C. Prohibited Installations. 1. Mid Block. 2. Alley Junction. 3. Alley intersection with a street. 4. Uphill or downhill grades that constitute a stopping hazard as determined by the City Engineer. 5. Stop sign request based on mitigating illegal sight obstructions. Trees, shrubs, fences,.etc.) Resolution No. 3467 Page 3 of 4 C ~ 6. Installing 4 -way stop signs that do not completely meet State and Federal standards. 7. Stopping a major street for a minor street. D. How Removals Are Requested. 1. Stop signs installed prior to the date of this policy can be removed: a. If recommended by the City Engineer. b. If a petition submitted to the City Council contains the signatures of 35 percent of the residents up to the.adjacent intersections that abut the intersecting streets. 2. Stop signs installed subsequent to the date of this policy can be removed: a. If recommended by the City Engineer. b. If a petition submitted to the City Council contains all of the following: 1. The signatures of 51% of residents whose property lies within - a 135 foot radius from the intersecting street centerlines. 2. The signatures of 51 percent of the remaining residents up to the adjacent intersections that abut the intersecting streets. E. Granting An Installation Or Removal. All stop sign installations and removals will be acted upon by resolutions of the Robbinsdale City Council. Resolution No. 3467 Page 4 of 4 0 CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 DATE August 17, 1990 TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: James G. Willis, City Manager' SUBJECT: CITY MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERFORMANCE AND OBJECTIVES Earlier this year this was discussion dealing with the job description for my position as well as performance objectives and measurements. This matter was deferred while City Council considered their own goals. These goals were adopted on July 12, 1990 (copy attached) . The City Council goals will need to be reviewed by the City Council on a periodic basis, in order that we can collectively be assured that they are being appropriately addressed and/or achieved. In this regard, I will schedule them for Council discussion at the second Council meeting of the month hereafter. If we do this, I believe we could more effectively assure ourselves that the goals are being appropriately tended to, while at the same time assuring information relative to one another's perceptions on the achievement of those goals is shared. My job description dates from 1987. It establishes an overview of the types of responsibilities which most city managers share. This particular document was developed over a period of years and, for that reason, may need to be reviewed by the City Council. With respect to my own performance in meeting expectations of the City Council, I believe it is appropriate that the Council share with me their views and/or observations with regard to how to perceive my performance. This is normally scheduled to be done twice annually, in June and December. It would be useful for me, particularly in light of the fact that Mayor Bergman and Councilmember Helliwell have now been in their positions for nearly eight months, for the Council to share with me their observations on my performance this year, and particularly areas in which my performance might be improved. JW:kec 5/14/90 PLYMOUTH COUNCIL GOALS 1990-1991 I. COMMUNICATIONS A. Communicate with the residents of Plymouth. 1. Improve/refine methods of communication. 2. Before commencing on any significant public works project, affected citizens should be sent a "Bill of Rights," that is intended to avoid surprises. 3. Revisit concept of "Communications Center." B. Communicate respectfully with one another; Councilmembers and staff. C. Public Works, Public Safety, and Park and Recreation Committees, made up of Councilmembers, meet at budget time, with the City Manager and department heads to review operations and future plans. Public Works - Maria Vasiliou and Bob Zitur, Public Safety - Kim Bergman and Lloyd Ricker, Park and Recreation - Lloyd Ricker and Carole Helliwell. D. Work with federal, state, county, and school officials on issues impacting upon Plymouth. 1. Encourage staff interaction with these agencies. 2. Create a list of what Plymouth (Council) wants from these agencies and collectively seek their implementation. Meet with all school boards. Meet with Library Board. E. Become more informed regarding city, county, and state government, i.e., interrelationships, policies, employees, and missions. II. FINANCIAL/STRATEGIC PLANNING A. Financial task force formed to plan 1990, 1991, 1992, and through 2010. B. Needs established by Council Committees for: 1. Public Safety 2. Park and Recreation 3. Operations i PLYMOUTH COUNCIL GOALS - 1990-1991 5/14/90 Page 2 III. CURRENT ISSUES A. Drug issues. 1. Revisit old task force. 2. Council meet with individual school districts. B. Environment. 1. Recycling (use existing task force) 2. Wetland/tree preservation and soil erosion (use Environmental Task Force). Position Title City Manager Date October, 1987 Department Administration Division Accountable To City Council - Plymouth, Minnesota Primary Objective of Position To direct, control and continually evaluate all administrative, fiscal and public service affairs of the City according to established ordinances, policies and procedures of the Council and/or Minnesota law. To advise the Council in defining sound public policy and in staffing for key personnel assigned to ensure the effective and timely delivery of City services. Major Areas of Accountability Oversees and directs the provision of municipal services through effective leadership and delegation to key department and division personnel. Keeps the City Council regularly informed on all developments affecting the adminis- tration, provision and/or modification of services which they must know to effec- tively perform as policy -makers. Represents the City in contacts with persons, agencies and businesses relative to various City matters, including development and provision of services, zoning interpretation, environmental concerns, etc. Delegates liaison responsibility for such matters to key personnel as appro- priate. 1 2 3 Continually evaluates results being achieved as the basis for counsel, guidance and 4 recommendations to the Council relative to level of services, projecting fiscal needs, bonding requirements, etc. Counsels and directs key management personnel in establishing goals and objectives to ensure provision of satisfactory services at the most favorable cost. Oversees all preparation, documentation and review of the annual City budget, as well 5 as five-year capital improvement program, and presents same to Council with appro- priate recommendations. Establishes and maintains methods of communications to ensure personnel receive 6 reliable, timely information required to effectively perform assigned duties and responsibilities. Creates an organizational climate in which department or division heads and other 7 supervisory personnel make the most productive use of all available resources. I City Manager 10187 Major Areas of Accountability (cont.) Establishes effective personnel programs designed to encourage employees to continu- 8 ally improve individual job performance and, as appropriate, set achievement goals beyond assigned accountabilities. Directs the City's labor -relations program, including collective bargaining and contract administration. Establishes organizational and planning priorities with the Council to achieve 9 established objectives. Maintains sensitivity to public relations and takes appropriate action whenever 10 required to redirect or redefine policies to ensure the continued confidence and respect of Plymouth residents. Keeps current in new developments, ideas and methods in public administration 11 and recommends or implements those appropriate to the City of Plymouth. Assumes other responsibilities as apparent or as delegated by the Council. 12 EXAMPLES OF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA City services are effectively provided consistent with established policies. Position accountabilities are carried out in a manner which consistently commands confidence and respect from the Council and community. Key staff personnel consistently exhibit leadership, competence and initiative in performing assigned accountabilities. Council receives clear, reliable and timely advice and recommendations based on proven principles of business, finance and public administration. Effective fiscal control and planning consistently return maximum benefit to the City for the public resources expended. RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS Direct supervision over --- Assistant City Manager Director of Planning and Community Development Director of Finance Director of Public Works Director of Public Safety Director of Parks and Recreation Through the above provides indirect supervision and work direction over all other City personnel. HUb l i :2U L" - 1.7 nV"l 1"-7 t ' Ii%' Y-„ TAMES J. THOMSON Attomcy at Law Direct Dial (612) 337-9209 August 17, 1990 The Honorable Xim M. Bergman City Council Members City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Re; Regulation of Builders/Developers Dear Mayor Bergman and Council Members: HoLMES & GPA.VEN CHARTERED 470 Pillsbury Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 612)337-9300 At the last council meeting, a question arose as to what authority the City has to regulate builders or developers who perform work in the City. Tn order to address this question, two separate issues need to be addressed. The first one involves a situation where a homeowner has a. dispute with a builder or developer, and the dispute does not involve any Building Code or City Code issues. The second situation is where a builder or developer has failed to comply with applicable Building Code or City Code provisions and has not remedied the defects. Regarding the first situation, the only potential practical way for the City to regulate those matters would be if the City adopted a licensing requirement for builders. As part of the licensing requirement, the City could consider issues pertaining to defective construction. There have been periodic discussions at the state level about licensing builders, but a licensing procedure has never been adopted. Regarding the second situation, the City has remedies available under the Building Code and City Code for builders or developers who do not comply with code provisions. The primary remedy is a misdemeanor prosecution. In certain situations the City may have contractual remedies against a developer. Another issue that arises in this situation is whether the City can withhold a permit to a builder or developer who has not complied with City requirements and later applies for a permit on a different property. Y am enclosing a copy of a City of Minnetonka ordinance that addresses this situation. I have not fully evaluated the ordinance or its legal implications. T am not The Honorable Kim M. Bergman City Council Members August 17, 1990 Page 2 aware of any other city that has adopted a similar ordinance. If the council desires to pursue this type of an approach, 1 would need to evaluate this issue further. Sincerely, J m J. Thomson JJT/amm Enclosure cc: James Willis Blair Tremere Joe Ryan PL100-32A r' 117.00 section 117 - R.e uirements fox Cit ,A rovals 117.00. A licetxse, permit , or other MY approval. or uthorixati.on of any kind shall be grantid only to an applicanta who 1. Has complied with all relOvant statutory,' charter and ordi.na=e .requirements . 2. Has paid all fees, chares, taxes, special ser ess menta and other dibts or obligations which are due ftrOmtttr, the applicant and payable to the City regardinganY aua, and 3., is in compliance with all ordinance XequiramentsandattachedconditionsregardingotherCityapproval$ which have been granted to the applicant for any WAtrer. 117.05. The requirements of Section 117.00 (2) and (3) may be waived in the following cixcumstancts:. 1. Thai applicant has provided sufficient 54L4sguards to a paymentant of debts or a00pIia=4 with Cit requirements within a reasonable time aftOv the C ty approval, or 2. enforcement of the requirements would result in a eigi-4ifioant hardship to the applicant, through no fault of his own or would result in &Tx otherwise unfair sit"tion. Adopted 6/6/'88, by Ord., 88-502. 20A-