06-17-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--gune 17, t991 693 Mr. Leftwich said when signals are upgraded on the FAS system, costs are normally 90% federal and 10% local funds. He said the railroad would normally be responsible for maintenance of signals and crossing after the upgrade. Mr. Shannon asked about proposed federal highway legislation affecting counties, and Mr. Leftwich said changes are still being made to the bill, which may be out late this fall. Mr. Shannon said there was some discussion about councils of governments making determinations as to how local monies would be spent. Mr. Leftwich thinks that plan was dropped. Mr. Leftwich commended Cass County for moving forward with the "model" project and looking at necessary changes in government. He said Cass County has an excellent Road Department and he has a good working relationship with the engineer. Mr. Shannon said the purpose of an on-going audit of the Road Department is to do things even better and improve perception. 17. TENTH STREET TRAFFIC, VACATING 9TH STREET, COUNTY PARKING, Report by Council of Governments and County Planner A traffic/pedestrian study on Tenth Street South between 2nd and 3rd Avenues was conducted for two days last month, according to Steve Grabill, Transportation Planner with the Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG). Earl Haugen, County Planner, said COG was asked to do the study in order to make recommendations on how to make a safer crossing at this location. Mr. Wieland said it is dangerous for pedestrians to cross two lanes of traffic going the same direction because even when motorists in one lane stop, motorists in the other lane may not stop for pedestrians. Another problem is motorists driving in excess of the posted limit of 30 miles per hour. Mr. Risher asked if flashing lights could be installed, and Mr. Grabill said lights could be installed as a speed deterrent but could only be used at one of the crossings, leaving the other two situations unsolved. He agreed that an unsafe situation exists but said traffic signals are not warranted according to federal criteria. Mr. Grabill said one solution to the problem of crossing Tenth Street in the morning would be changing courthouse hours of operation so that employees cross Tenth Street at safer times of the day. Other alternatives mentioned were a grade separation crossing, eliminating the mid-block pedestrian crossing, marking the pedestrian crossing at the intersection of 3rd Avenue, hiring a professional to develop a courthouse campus plan, and requesting a special use permit from the city of Fargo to construct a parking lot with a temporary surface on the former Gethsemane property. Mr. Grabill thinks traffic problems around the courthouse are related to the parking situation, and that it would be advantageous to hire a consultant to look at traffic and parking needs. MOTION, passed Mrs. Toussaint moved and Mr. Eckert seconded to refer these reports from Earl Haugen and Steve Grabill to the future space and planning committee for consideration and recommendation to the Commission. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.