11-02-00 Park Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission November 2, 2000 Gray recomn:erzded that City staff begin the process of acquiring property to cornplete the City's trail systern by talking to landowners, with frequent updates to be given to the Comn:zsstor:. Motion seconded by Sackett Glaser. Motion carried 6 - 0. ON-STREET The City Administrator stated that the Council recently restricted parking on roads with PARKING on-street pedesri-ian paths since it was felt that parking on the streets could present a hazardous situation to pedestrians. The streets were posted as "no parking" and now the City has received complaints from residents who want to park on the streets. At the same time, there are several people who feel that the signs are definitely needed. The Administrator commented that residents can apply for parking permits for special occasions where on-street parking is needed. However, there are some residents who stated they may have guests over on the spur of the moment so they would not have time to obtain such a permit. Gray stated that streets with on-street pedestrian paths were widened specifically for use by pedestrians, not cars. He felt that the signs should remain. The City Adtninish~ator stated that some streets have busier pedestrian traffic than others, acrd perhaps they warrant a different approach. Sackett Glaser felt that the same policy should be implemented City-wide, otherwise some residents will feel they are not being treated fairly. Anderson suggested posting only one side of the streets as "no parking." Sackett Glaser did not like this idea since pedestrians are always supposed to be walking against traffic. Sackett Glaser stated that residents on Edgerton Street and Keller Parkway have been living with "no parking" on their street with few complaints. The Director stated that pedestrian and automobile traffic are not a good mix. He felt that in the future, on-street paths should not be approved. The City should approve off street paths only. He commented that he sympathizes with the residents who want to park on their streets, but he felt that pedestrian safety must come first. He felt that since the City has designated these as pedestrian walk areas, the City has a duty to protect those pedestrians while they are using the walk areas. Sackett Glaser stated that in future developments, the people should at least be informed that if on-street paths are installed, no parking will be allowed. The City Administrator stated that could be more clearly emphasized in the improvement process. Sackett Glaser reconureended retaining the City's policy of "r:o parking" on Ctty streets that contain striped on-street pedestrian path. Motion seconded by Gray. Motion carried 6 - 0. Page4of5