CONSENT AGENDA - Jean M. Keely, City Engineer
Title
ADOPT A CITY OF BLAINE TRAFFIC SIGNS POLICY
Background
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) enacted final rules on May 14, 2012 regarding minimum required sign retroreflectivity levels. Under the new rules, the City must have a policy approved by Council by June 13, 2014 that is designed to maintain sign retroreflectivity at or above minimum levels specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
MNDOT prepared a template to aid Cities in preparation of the required Traffic Sign Policy and this template was used as the basis for the proposed Blaine Traffic Sign Policy.
The stated purpose of the policy is to establish uniform and consistent installation and maintenance of traffic signs on the City's roadway system. The policy recognizes that the MN MUTCD is the standard for all traffic control devices on all public roads in Minnesota and that Blaine's Code of Ordinances, Section 82-2, confirms this by adopting the regulatory provisions of Minnesota Statute, Chapter 169. The policy recognizes that the MN MUTCD establishes minimum retroreflectivity levels for traffic signs and describes how the City of Blaine achieves compliance.
The policy states that the City will develop and maintain a sign inventory of all signs on the roadway system. The City will maintain traffic control devices to ensure safe and efficient operations. The Public Works Department will inspect signs annually for visibility and legibility and signs that do not perform their function will be repaired or scheduled for replacement. The available sign budget and the current inventory will be reviewed to determine feasibility of maintaining the current inventory. The replacement program will include the latest standards for sign design, dimensioning, mounting and roadway location.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the City Council is cognizant of providing regulation of vehicular traffic in a safe and responsible manner; and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to establish uniformity and consistency in the application, installation and maintenance of traffic signs on the City of Blaine's roadway system; and
WHEREAS, a Traffic Signs Policy has been prepared recognizing that the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MN MUTCD) is the standard for all traffic control devices on all public roads in the State of Minnesota, and therefore the City of Blaine's roadway system must conform to its standards and specifications; and
WHEREAS, said Traffic Signs Policy officially recognizes the rule in the MN MUTCD that establishes minimum retroreflectivity levels for traffic signs and describes how the City of Blaine achieves compliance; and
WHEREAS, said Traffic Signs Policy establishes that it is in the interest of the City of Blaine and the public to prevent the excessive use of traffic signs on the City's roadway system, as a conservative use of traffic signs reduces maintenance costs and improves the effectiveness of the remaining signs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Blaine Traffic Signs Policy (attached) is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Blaine.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 5th day June, 2014.