06/10/1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 1996 pedestrian traffic. The impact on the neighborhood is minimized as much as practical by the installation of the main entrance on the southeast side of the site which will direct car traffic into the school site. The west entrance is designed for the bus traffic and some employee parking. Based on expected bus counts provided by the School District, there will be 30 to 35 buses utilizing this entrance arriving and departing each morning and afternoon over a 15 to 20 minute period. There is concern from some residents south of Elm Street that the west entrance will cause a significant impact on their neighborhood. Staff has discussed this driveway with residents at two meetings since the public hearing. Based on comments provided by the School District, the removal of this entrance will cause a significant on-site traffic problem. Staff has indicated to the residents that a berm and landscaping will be provided along Elm Street (to be done with the road project) to mitigate the noise and visual impact that this entrance may cause. Mr. Ahrens concluded that staff is recommending that a motion adopting option F and Resolution No. 96 - 46 be adopted subject to the School District providing a written commitment on bus use of Elm Street west of the school site. Council Member Bergeson asked if the City Council adopted option F, are there any provisions that could be make to make certain that buses coming out of the school would go to Lake Drive rather than west on Elm Street to Second Avenue. Mr. Ahrens said that he will ask the School District to provide a written document stating that buses must go east from the school site except for the buses serving the area east of the school. Council Member Kuether said that she would like the school bus company to sign the same agreement. Mr. Ahrens noted that state statutes prohibit the City from limiting certain vehicle traffic use of a state aid road. Mr. Hawkins said that language stressing bus traffic routes can be included in the development agreement. Council Member Bergeson noted that the City has had several other agreements with the School District and they have worked within the agreements. Mr. McClellan told the City Council that there absolutely will be no bus traffic exiting the school and turning west on Elm Street except for the buses that service that immediate area. He also explained that bus drivers cannot alter their routes. Council Member Bergeson asked if is possible to plant shrubs and trees on the south side of Elm Street to screen the adjacent neighborhood to the south. Mr. Ahrens said that buffering will be included in the Cities portion of the project. He will work with Mr. Asleson to be sure the buffering plan is workable. Council Member Kuether explained that she will not vote for option F. She said she is disillusioned about the process the neighborhood had to go through to protect their neighborhood. Council Member Kuether said that both City staff and the School District staff have "poo-poohed" the neighborhood. She said it is a shame that the entire neighborhood has a bad taste in its mouth over this project. Council Member Neal said PAGE 15