Matt Mohs, Houston’s city engineer, reported the results of his studies on stop signs at the February 12 city council meeting. The council had directed Mohs to investigate after citizens had shared concerns about the intersections of Chase and Spruce, Spruce and Maple and Ellsworth and Spruce. Mohs shared a document called Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control, which offers guidance to cities.
According to Mohs, nothing warranted installation of stop signs. He talked with Police Chief Hurley about sight lines, which were not found to be a problem. PWD Randy Thesing shared that Houston doesn’t even come close to the amount of traffic that would necessitate a stop sign. Speeds were not tracked, but Chief Hurley pointed out that streets in the area were only a couple blocks long so vehicles were not actually speeding.
According to the study, the number of crashes do not warrant a stop sign either; near misses are not tracked in the study.
Mohs informed the city that they could have an onsite study completed using radar guns; there would be a cost to this. Mohs noted that the city as a local jurisdiction could place stop signs at the intersections, but he cautioned that adding stop signs will not solve the problem. Sometimes the placement of stop signs gives a false sense of security to drivers. Traffic calming options could be used, but would create maintenance issues.
Zeb Baumann commented, “Even if we did studies, we wouldn’t have enough to meet the criteria.”
Cody Mathers proffered, “There’s only so much you can do to legislate responsible driving.”
The council took no action regarding stop signs.
Wood Chips for Mission 66
Mary Dahle, representing the Mission 66 playground committee, spoke during the public comment section of the meeting to ask if the city had scheduled mulching of the playground for the spring. According to Dahle, the school’s Community Service Day will be May 8.
“Do you want help or not?” Dahle asked.
PWD Randy Thesing agreed that the city needed to target May 8 and get more wheelbarrows and rakes lined up. The city will pick a delivery date and get quotes for the lowest prices.
Dahle also asked about getting pads for under the swings. Steve Westby opined that pads used in horse trailers would be less expensive and could easily have holes drilled in them to allow for drainage.
In a final comment, Dahle asked if the city could send a letter to the owner of the house on Cedar Street to request they clean up the logs from fallen trees and a toilet littering the yard. There was concern that the yard affected nearby property values.
Owl Center Update
City Administrator Michelle Quinn shared the biggest question she had about the purchase agreement for the Owl Center property. Quinn wanted to know who was to draw up the purchase agreement; typically, the purchaser draws up the agreement. She asked how the necessary deed restrictions would affect that. Quinn will be checking with the city attorney on the matter to find the most efficient way to draft a purchase agreement when there are deed restrictions. The city needs to retain the rights to the drainage ditch on the property.
The city sign at the property will not be able to remain where it is. Originally, it was donated to the city by the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Wallace will talk to the Chamber about the sign. PWD Thesing explained that the city has no equipment to move the sign. In his opinion, only the light, flag pole and metal front could be saved, but not the concrete part of the sign.
Karla Bloem asked about access to the property for construction. Quinn said this would have to be researched; they would need to work with the Corps of Engineers on that.
Other Business
Other business conducted by the council included:
•Hired Katie Tostenson as summer rec director; Daniel Gavin as seasonal maintenance worker; Les Rosenberg as flower care attendant;
•Approved the appointment of Anthony Loken as a probationary firefighter;
•Heard that Houston has advanced in their bid to host the 2025 USA Cycling Gravel Nationals along with LaCrescent; Houston’s appeal in the process is that there are nearby gravel routes available; Scott Wallace will participate in the February 21 meeting with USA Cycling;
•Approved an exempt gambling permit for the Sheldon Valley Sportsman’s Association for an event on March 23;
•Set the polling place for the city at the community center and approved election judge $16 per hour pay rate;
•Passed a resolution to send a letter to the state about the unfunded mandate expense of changing the state flag and seal on city property;
•Heard that the state had given the city a new AED; the old AED has been installed at the community center;
•Learned a dual wireless microphone system has been received for the community center.
The next meeting of the Houston City Council will be March 11 at 6 p.m. at the City Hall. The public is welcome to attend.
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