07/18/2001 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JULY 18, 2001 Mr. Tom Brickner came forward and distributed a petition with 321 signatures. He read the petition that indicates the residents are in favor of the roadway extension to 62nd Street without a barricade. He referred to a drawing of the area noting that residents feel it is important to connect the roadway now. He read comments from Council Members from previous meetings regarding problems with a barricade. He responded to the concerns of residents on 62nd Street that were expressed at a previous Council meeting. He stated that safety is a big issue and the driving force behind the petition. He gave facts relating to safety concerns including the number of children in the area, number of path crossings and visibility issues. He stated that the disbursing of traffic on two (2) routes does make the most sense. He asked that the City be consistent with all developments noting the residents want a second access. A connection needs to be made now to 62nd Street and 62nd Street should be improved as soon as funds become available. City Engineer Powell advised from an engineering standpoint, he would not recommend a connection until the improvements to 62nd Street have been made •q . ; to pedestrian ter. traffic. He stated there is no way to separate the vehicular traff and estrian traffic. Other options have been discussed that include constructiona Vides an trail along 62nd Street. Council Member O'Donnell asked how the plat wa ap rove ity Engineer Powell advised the Planning and Zoning Board approve • "<with a recommendation to develop a cul-de-sac. He noted the speed li e roar` ay is 30 mph. Council Member Reinert stated discuss the north end of the roadway. He in improve 62nd Street so the road c held about placing the barricade on he would like to explore other options to d now. Council Member Carlson r , he City's transportation plan noting it shows West Shadow being extended ti ° 9 roa•i="ays as well. She stated she does not support building bigger faster oads J • get traffic through and hopes a compromise can be found. Mayor Bergeson advise other meeting will be held and notices will be sent out. Mr. Barry Rice stated he did send a fax to Council Members regarding this issue. He stated he would like to see the road punched through if the development goes in. He noted traffic continues to get worse in the area. Mr. Brian Olson, 511 Hawthorne, stated residents are concerned that they are not being heard. Residents have done their job with the petition. He stated he is very concerned that funds for 62nd Street will not be available until 2005. City Engineer Powell explained the State Aid Fund process noting Elm Street has been a priority for a long time. He indicated the Council could still decide to reconstruct 62nd Street and look at doing both 62nd Street and Elm Street within a few years. 2