Agenda Packets - 2000/03/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 13, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 11 safety as they see it. He explained that attempting to determine some form of coordinated effort on a large scale might actually inhibit the development of a direction, therefore, in the next several months, the citizens will be hearing about individual programs, policies, and actions that could be taken to assist in this matter. He pointed out that this might not be recognizable in terms of seeing these items individually listed on the agenda, however, this is the approach they will be taking. City Administrator Whiting stated a large-scale plan, such as constructing a pedestrian bridge or a trail system, would involve a community effort, and would simply take time. He indicated some of these items may come forward in the future in discussion, and the level of local interest will have an effect upon keeping these considerations before the Council and staff, however, the solutions are not always readily apparent, and not everyone is always in agreement. Ms. Crum inquired if money was one of the primary reasons that little was being done at this time. City Administrator Whiting stated there is the question of how the money would be utilized. He explained that there are questions pertaining to whether it would it be used for a pedestrian bridge or trails, how they would insure that if a bridge was constructed, the citizens would utilize it, and where the bridge would be located. He stated these questions have been debated in the community for quite some time, and the pedestrian bridge that was proposed three years prior, had it been approved, would have been constructed a quarter mile from the recent accident site. He advised that money was always an issue, however, they were attempting to determine what should be done to make the entire 2.5 mile stretch of four-lane highway through Mounds View safer for the citizens to use and cross, no matter where they are located. Council Member Marty indicated Police Chief Clark and Director of Public Works Ulrich had flown up and down Highway 10 in a helicopter, to observe the traffic patterns. He stated the local newspaper and representatives of MNDot have taken pictures of the accident site, and further information would be coming forward in the next week or so concerning this matter. He indicated a telephone call to Council Member Thomason had been forwarded to him from a resident who believed the City should have 15 pedestrian bridges. Council Member Marty indicated Highway 10 is traffic friendly, not pedestrian friendly, and they are attempting to make the entire stretch of roadway safer, instead of simply attempting to immediately obtain funds, and construct a pedestrian bridge at the Edgewood Drive intersection. He explained that citizens cross Highway 10 at many different points. He pointed out that the original site proposed for the pedestrian bridge was a quarter mile from the accident site, and all were aware that people do not generally wish to go a quarter mile out of their way to reach to their destination. He indicated another fatality occurred on Pleasant View Drive, and one pedestrian bridge at Edgewood Drive would not help those residents. He advised that they must have a good idea of what it will take to fix the entire road correctly, prior to considering the aspects of funding. Council Member Marty stated this would not be an overnight process. He noted the previous bridge discussion went on for quite some time before the matter even came to a vote, however, he felt encouraged that there is some public support and momentum to attempt to fix the entire