Minutes - 2001/02/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council February 26, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 7 happened to Brandon was always an issue. Mayor Sonterre outlined the steps the City has been taking to enact changes on Highway 10 noting that, unfortunately, the City's efforts have been hampered by red tape that needs to be waded through. He then assured her that the City will continue to take steps to make changes to Highway 10 to make it safer. Council Member Marty expressed his condolences for her loss and explained he had spoken to the City Administrator concerning this matter earlier in the day and was told the process of redevelopment is ongoing. • • Ms. Heilman questioned why some of the items on the short term improvement list such as increased patrolling have not been put into place. She noted she lives and works in the City and constantly is passed on Highway 10 by cars going over the posted speed limit. Mayor Sonterre stated that by the end of this year ticketing was up 22% on Highway 10. The resident asked for specific ticketing numbers. Mayor Sonterre stated he did not have specific numbers on the ticketing. He then explained there is currently a police power issue as the force is short two officers and has been for some time. The force has also been short a lieutenant and there were two officers out on medical leave. The patrol the City has needed to be spread thinly over the rest of the City so enforcement of the speed on Highway 10 may have been affected during this period. Council Member Marty stated last summer and fall he witnessed significant patrol efforts with radars in an attempt to curb the speeding. He stated he does not usually travel on Highway 10 but crosses it. He then stated the new Police Chief came in and stepped up enforcement but noted this is an ongoing issue and he is glad people keep asking about it. Ms. Heilman stated it is not a matter of if, but when, someone else will be hit out on Highway 10 if something is not done. Council Member Marty stated he spoke to a Ramsey County Commissioner about lowering the speed limit and was told the Commissioner was not sure if the City could lower the speed limit but agreed to look into it. Mayor Sonterre stated it was determined during various meetings and discussions with Ramsey County that the maximum low they would consider is 45 m.p.h. He then stated he anticipates a reduction in the speed limit to 45 m.p.h. teamed with community based policing to enforce that speed limit. Ms. Heilman noted that in the City of Anoka the walk signals count down the seconds remaining to cross the street rather than a flashing hand or flashing person. She then requested the City consider changing the crosswalks to that type of sign as part of the Highway 10 redevelopment.