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Mounds View City Council February 28, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mayor Coughlin stated this was a very unfortunate tragedy, however it may have occurred anywhere. He advised that the pedestrian bridge was one small element in the equation, in that the Comprehensive Plan calls for trailways and sidewalks along the entire two mile stretch of Highway 10 that extends through Mounds View, not only the smaller section currently being discussed. He stated that from the onset, he was in favor of installing a pedestrian bridge, however, this is only one element of a larger picture. He explained that he has seen children walking along the shoulder of the highway, and this must also be addressed. He indicated they should put all of their creative and emotional energies toward proceeding with the entire process, rather than focusing upon the construction of one bridge. Mrs. Gunn stated she understood this, however, they could not do all of these things at one time. Mayor Coughlin stated this was correct, adding that the process would be segmented, however, the pedestrian bridge should be considered as one element of a larger picture. He pointed out that this process had already commenced. Council Member Marty advised that the Comprehensive Plan is an overview of the plan for the City of Mounds View, and it has been listed on the Agenda for the Council’s first consideration of the document. He indicated the Planning Commission has held public hearings pertaining to the Comprehensive Plan, and there would be further consideration by the Council at the Work Sessions, after which, the document would come back before the Council. He stated the resident’ input in this regard would be appreciated. Mrs. Opitz stated she was the mother of one of the children present at the time of the accident. She indicated that crossing the road to the midpoint, and standing in the middle until the next light was unacceptable. She stated that if another vehicle had been involved, this could have wiped out three families. She reiterated that this was not acceptable, and something must be done. She stated the light must be changed to allow pedestrians to completely cross Highway 10, rather than only half way across. She stated this would affect these children for the rest of their lives. She stated her son lost his best friend of 10 years. The young man’s grandmother inquired if any of the Council Members had ever lost a grandson. Anthony Opitz, friend and classmate of the young man, stated they had lost one of their friends and someone they cared about. He inquired how many more deaths would occur before the City would actually do something. He stated he did not know if the town could take any more situations like this, and if there was some way this could be prevented, it should be done. Cathy Foster, friend of the young man, stated Edgewood School was willing to save money for the pedestrian bridge, which they support. She stated they were in favor of the bridge because this situation was very difficult for them. Chris stated he and Travis went out after school to circulate a petition for the bridge, and in an hour and a half, received 65 signatures. He stated people were willing to do whatever it takes to get the bridge. Cathy stated there was a grant called a TEA, where 20 percent of the total tax is all that is required to pay for a pedestrian bridge. She stated she was certain her school and the Movie