Title
Discussion: Discontinued Use of "Slow Children at Play" Signs and the Future Status of These Signs Currently Installed Throughout the City.
Executive Summary: The Ohio Department of Transportation has removed the "Slow Children at Play" signs from the current Ohio Manual of Unified Traffic Control Devices. The Public Works and Engineering Departments use the manual to manage the City's sign inventory and typically have adhered to the rules, regulations and signage instructions as published. Therefore, the Public Works Department no longer approves or installs these signs and seeks City Council support of a systematic removal plan for the existing signs in the field.
Body
Legislative History
No legislative history.
Purpose & Explanation
The Ohio Department of Transportation has discontinued the use of the "Slow Children at Play" sign and has advised Ohio townships and City's do the same. As the City's Public Works Department conforms to the state's Manual of Unified Traffic Control Devices, the Public Works Department no longer installs these signs.
There are currently 84 of these signs in the field throughout the City. A mapping of these locations has been attached. Also included in the attachments are documents that explain the state's decision to discontinue the inclusion of the sign in the manual and the advisement to all Ohio government entities to discontinue its use as well. Also included is an engineering report regarding the use of this type of sign. The underlying theme of the attached documentation is that the signs should not be used and removed from inventories as soon as is possible.
Staff seeks Council support for the Public Works Department sign shop to remove the exiting signs from inventory in the following manner:
Staff recommends the City grandfather the 84 existing "Slow Children at Play" signs currently in the field. As the signs wear and fade and no longer meet reflectivity requirements or are damaged or destroyed, remove the signs permanently.
As per the current replacement schedules all existing signs would be removed in approximately 5-7 years.
Timing Considerations
No timing concerns.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Based on the attached documentation, the engineering opinion, and the ODOT recommendations, City staff recommends City Council support the phased removal of the City's existing "Slow Children at Play" signs when they no longer meet reflectivity compliance or are damaged or destroyed.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Frank J. Comeriato, Jr., Public Works Director