Agenda - Council - 11/10/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dennis Lehman, 5301 143' Avenue, stated that his issue is that people go straight across or turn left and noted that he has almost been hit by a flatbed truck coining west to take a left and go south on 47, He stated that people are not yielding to the three- fourths turn. Public Works Director Olson stated that he has also seen people ,going across the three - fourths median. Chairperson Elvig asked if there was anyway to improve the workability or restrictiveness of the three - fourths median, such as a higher median. Public Works Director Olson noted his concern that if the City involves MnDot, there is a possibility that they may completely shut this down. Chairperson Elvig reiterated that he would like to look at the possibility of closing 142" a and opening the Mallard Ponds gate. Councilmember Dehen stated that given the accident history at this intersection, this is a big safety issue. He stated that he feels MnDot should be involved to make sure the solution is the best one and not just the one the City wants. Public Works Director Olson wasn't suggesting that the City just do it the way it wants, but there have been a number of issues with local access being restricted from the business community and if this seems like a reasonable solution to the Council, he feels the City should move forward. He stated that he is not convinced that Mallard Ponds will be very excited about opening up the private street, Public Works Supervisor Reimer stated that if the gate is open, the Council should be prepared for Mallard Ponds to bring up the subject of the City taking on their services. Councilmember Olson asked if there were signs in the area to help restrict traffic. Public Works Director Olson stated that there aren't signs. Councilmember Olson suggested that perhaps the City could post signs that say "No Through Traffic ". Public: Works Director Olson stated that he didn't think those signs were very enforceable. City Engineer .Jankowski stated that he didn't think you could tell people that they cannot drive down a public street, Mr. Backous stated that he feels the easiest fix would be to put a gate on 142" Public Works Director Olson stated that this would create. a dead end longer than allowed by City code, however, this doesn't mean it cannot be done. Public Works Committee / September 16, 2008 , Page 11 of 17 —90—