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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10A - Traffic Signal PRe-Emption System &~ ~N:~ CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREP ARED BY: May 4, 1998 lOA BILL O'ROURKE, CHIEF OF POLICE AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 98-XX AMENDING TITLE 11, CHAPTER 1, OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE REGULATING THE USE OF THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL PREEMPTION SYSTEM DISCUSSION: Historv The approved 1998 budget contains funds for the aquisition of a traffic signal preemption system (TSPS) for use in police and fire vehicles. Current circumstances A traffic signal preemption system (TSPS) is being installed on traffic signals in the City of Prior Lake. The TSPS uses pulsating light to control traffic signals by either holding a green light for an approaching emergency vehicle or by changing the light to green for the emergency vehicle. The purpose of using the TSPS is to allow emergency vehicles to perform emergency services in a safer and more timely manner by temporarily controlling motorized vehicle traffic flow at signalized intersections. Such a system is extremely desireable, given the future traffic projections for major Prior Lake arterials. Issues Receivers for the TSPS are currently installed on two intersections in Prior Lake, Highway 13 at County Road 42, and County Road 21 at County Road 82, an ordinance is necessary to control the use of the system. Such ordinance would limit the use of the devices to emergency vehicles and authorized maintenance workers. Violation of this ordinance would be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not exceeding seven hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for a period of not exceeding ninety days, or both. 16286\1.2~~~~.~~<fJhiotttlbQ~~innesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER FISCAL IMPACT: ALTERNATIVES: RECOMMENDED MOTION: REVIEWED BY: Conclusion An ordinance is needed to limit use of the system to authorized vehicles. None 1. Adopt Ordinance 98-XX as proposed. 2. Defer action on Ordinance 98-XX Motion and second to approve Ordinance 98-XX. F:\ADMIN\AGRPTFM.DOCKirsten aden 04/22/98 WED 16:09 FAX 612 452 5550 CAMPBELL ~002 ORDINANCE NO. 98-XX CITY OF PRIOR LAKE SCOTT COUNTY, MINNESOTA AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 11, CHAPIEJ.{ 1, OF .l~ PRIOR LA~ LilY CODE REGULATING THE USE OFI.I."m TRAlf~lC SIGNAL PREEIVu .lION SYSTEM THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE ORDAINS: WHEREAS, the City has installed traffic system preemption systems on traffic lights within the City for use by emergency vehicles; and, WHEREAS, in order to preserve and assure the protection of the public using roadways within the City, the City Council fInds that it is necessary to regulate the use of the traffic signal preemption systems. Now THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Prior Lake does ordain the following: Section 1. Subd. 1. Subd.2: Subd. 3: 60987 The Prior Lake City Code is amended to add Chapter 11-1-8 as follows: DEFINITIONS: The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them for the purposes of this Section: (a) Traffic Sil!nal Preemotion Svstem (TSPS). A traffic control system designed to aid emergency vehicles by controlling traffic movement through signalized intersections. The TSPS system uses pulsating light to control traffic signals. When activated, the TSPS either holds a green light for the approaching emergency vehicle or changes the lights to provide a green light to the emergency vehicle. (b) Ooerate: To activate or attempt to activate the TSPS by any means. (c) Person,: Includes an individual, partnership, corporation, the state and its agencies and subdivisions, and any body of persons, whether incorporated or not. OPERA nON GENERALLY: Except as otherwise specifically permitted and authorized, no person may operate or attempt to operate a TSPS by any means whatsoever. No person as owner or operator of a motor vehicle pennit the installation or possession of any TSPS equipment or equipment capable of operating the TSPS in or upon a motor vehicle. PERMIJ. J.,bD OPERATION: Operation of the TSPS is permitted as follows: A. The operators of Police Department vehicles may operate the TSPS while responding to emergencies. B. The operators of Fire Department vehicles may operate the TSPS while 04/22/98 WED 16:10 FAX 612 452 5550 CAMPBELL ~00';3 , responding to emergencies. C. The operators of State or County emergency vehicles may operate the TSPS while responding to emergencies, D, City Maintenance Workers may operate the TSPS while repairing or testing the TSPS systems. All repairs and tests shall be coordinated and pre-approved by the Chief of Police. Subd. 4: PENALTY: Any person who violates the terms of this Chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdem.eanor, punishable by a fine not exceeding seven hundred dollars ($700.00), or by imprisonment for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days, or both. Section 2. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication. PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED by the Prior Lake City Council this 4th day of May, 1998. CITY OF PRIOR LAKE BY: ATTEST Wesley M. Mader Its Mayor Frank Boyles, City Manager 60987 2 ~ ~..