04-28-10 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 28, 2010 back down to 24 feet at the connection to Boss Road. Keis also stated that he preferred the barrier curb as it conveys run-off better and is preferred by Public Works. Blesener indicated that McGraw indicated his preference for the City Engineer's original plan, but indicated that he could go to a 26 foot wide pavement with no parking on one side of the sheet The City Administrator indicated that Montour indicated that he prefers the 28 foot width, but was agreeable to another classification for streets with less than 15 homes. Montour would agree to a 26-foot pavement width in that case. The City Administrator reported that he consulted with the City Attorney, and while Council Member Boss abstained from the discussion and voting on the ordering of the Bryan Street improvement, she can discuss and vote on the street width issue as it is a policy question. Dick Boss, 57 Bryan Street, again reported he discussed the Bryan Street project with all his neighbors and they still support a 24 foot wide pavement with surmountable curb. I-Ie noted the discussion earlier relative to the City's budget, and pointed out the 24-foot pavement width would save the City approximately $8,800. Boss stated that he appreciates the Council's willingness to look at its street policy, but felt that the issue was also one of what works for the neighborhood. He pointed out that the existing 20 foot pavement has worked for the neighborhood. He felt it was also an issue of aesthetics and property values for the neighborhood, and felt that an overly wide street would detract from both. Boss indicated that there has never been a problem on Bryan Street with vehicles passing one another nor with on-street parking. With regard to tree impact, Boss acknowledged that the property owner with the oak tree feels the tree is dying, and therefore, does not have a concern with tree impact. Gregor reported that there is surmountable curbing on Australian and barrier on Bluwood. Gregor felt surmountable was preferable, and suggested that it was not an issue for Public Works, as they do not plow to the edge of the street. Gregor also said he has noticed that cars park on surmountable curb whereas they park further away from barrier curb due to its higher profile. Blesener pointed out that barrier curbing results in a smaller footprint for the street. Council Member Boss felt that a consistent street width of 24 feet was preferable and varying the street width from 24 feet to 28 feet and then back to 24 feet seemed odd. Blesener pointed out that the City of Maplewood varies street widths as a means to slow traffic. The City Administrator agreed that Maplewood uses choke points on streets as a traffic calming technique. 16