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MnDOT traffic engineers to attend SE City Council meeting

To discuss eliminating stop lights

SLEEPY EYE — Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) traffic engineers Scott Thompson and Robert Jones are expected to attend the Sleepy Eye City Council meeting Tuesday, to discuss MnDOT’s decision to eliminate stop lights at 1st Avenue and Highway 14.

Last month, the council unanimously approved a resolution to oppose MnDOT’s stop light elimination plan, after City Manager Mark Kober said MnDOT studied the intersection to determine if stop lights were still necessary and determined they were not.

“Previous experience has proven that unnecessary traffic signals cause excessive motorist and pedestrian delays, can cause an above average number of crashes and burden taxpayers with maintenance costs,” Thompson wrote in a memo to Jones last month.

Thompson added that with previous semaphore removals, MnDOT has furnished and installed Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon Pedestrian Crossing systems.

Kober said there is local opposition to semaphore removal. He cited letters from First Security Bank President/CEO John McGee and attorney Pat Lowther of Sleepy Eye.

McGee wrote that a crosswalk would not be as safe for crossing the highway, especially for small children.

Lowther wrote that there is a severe problem crossing Highway 14 in Sleepy Eye at any intersection lacking a stop light. In addition, he wrote that standing yellow bollards that read “Stop For Pedestrians” help remind drivers to stop for pedestrians in every crosswalk.

Other agenda items include a second reading and ordinance consideration for annexation of the Tony Wurtzberger property, a Prairieview Park playground equipment estimate, a mayor’s survey committee update, new ambulance bid process, Sleepy Eye Arena Association gambling permit clarification for April 14, the North Water/Sewer and 2020 Street/Utility projects.

An ordinance for cross arms during school hours will receive a second reading.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.

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