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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 11, 2000 ® Page 5 1 Comprehensive Plan and recommendations of the community as a whole. Additionally, Horst 2 expressed confusion regarding the objection to sidewalks in light of the potential benefits to the 3 residents, particularly once decorative lighting and appropriate landscaping were implemented. 4 Sparks offered that, in looking back, it would have been beneficial to have had an informal meet- 5 ing with the residents to present the concept and inquire if compromises could be discussed and 6 acceptance could be obtained. Sparks agreed with Michele Schram regarding the potential safety 7 issues in having busy streets without sidewalks. In this respect, Sparks relayed an incident she 8 had witnessed recently where a mother was walking on the street, pulling a wagon with children. 9 Unbeknownst to the mother, one of the children climbed out of the wagon and, consequently, 10 into the street. Luckily there were not any cars close by, but the potential was there for an 11 accident to occur. 12 Additionally, Sparks relayed that she had performed research on her own regarding safety and 13 sidewalks. The research concluded that the residents at the highest risk for pedestrian accidents 14 were senior citizens. Sparks believed that if the City and residents could find a way to 15 implement sidewalks that it would be worth the effort, particularly in light of safety. 6 Hodson offered that he is new to the Council and this issue, but has observed the resistance 7 expressed at this meeting to the sidewalks. Although he agreed with Sparks about the potential 18 safety issues without sidewalks, he asked the residents in attendance if that would be a compro- 19 mise available. One suggestion, he offered, was to incorporate a bike/walk path along the side of .20 the street that could be used specifically for walking and/or biking. The area could still be 21 calmed with trees and landscaping. 22 Cavanaugh noted Councilmember Brian Thuesen's absence, but wished to state that Thuesen 23 was supportive of the project. Cavanaugh noted that of the residents who spoke before the 24 Council, five were against, and three were supportive of the project. Additionally, Cavanaugh 25 stated that he had received a letter from someone that resides at 25th and Harding, that supported 26 sidewalks on every major street, and he had participated in discussions with other residents that 27 were supportive of the project. 28 Cavanugh continued by stating that the Council has attempted to address the outstanding issues 29 along 29th Avenue, which include the speed of traffic and to make the street have a more 30 residential appearance by installing decorative lighting and landscaping. This project could set 31 the standard for other streets regarding uniformity in lighting and landscaping. 32 Cavanaugh reassured the audience that he believed that Council is listening to the community be- 33 cause the community has spoken through the City's Comprehensive Plan. Cavanaugh agreed 34 with Sparks and her suggestion to have more informal input from the public. Additionally, 05 Cavanaugh would suggest that the Parks Commission work with the community on the standards 36 of the lighting issue so that all streets would have the same lighting package.