Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/18/2008

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COMMITTEE BUSINESS Case #1: Consider Parking Restrictions on St. Francis Boulevard Frontage Road City Engineer Jankowski stated that the City received a letter from one of the six property owners on the frontage road that runs along 8t. Francis Boulevard. He noted that the letter stated that, at times, when there was parking on both sides, it becomes very narrow and becomes difficult for a vehicle to pass. He stated that staff checked the road and found it was only 20 feet wide, which is very narrow and they have concerns with the ability to get emergency vehicles in, as well as regular traffic to squeeze through. He stated that the police department has indicated that they have not seen a lot of problems. He stated that, however, if there were a fire, it could be fought from TH 47, but it would not be desirable. He stated that he had contacted all 6 of the property owners letting them know that this was on the agenda. He stated that he received a phone call from one of the residents who said, essentially, that they would like to see the situation remain as it is. He stated that staff is recommending restricting the parking on one side, but have a discussion with property owners first. Vice Chair Dehen asked what would be the disadvantage to restricting the parking. City Engineer Jankowski stated that the arguments are that it is very rare when it happens, so residents didn't see a public safety problem. Al Kempf, 15220 8t. Francis Boulevard, stated that he is the one who sent the letter to the City. He stated that with the road improvement project nearby, to bring a road through to the school, he expects there to be additional traffic on the frontage road. He stated that once the improvement is done and the more traffic is traveling on a very narrow street, it would be tight. He stated that he generated the letter because of.concerns about the future generation of traffic. Randy Touric, 15120 8t. Francis Boulevard, stated that he is totally in favor of just restricting the parking to one side and noted that he was afraid that the parking would be totally restricted. Vice Chair Dehen asked if there has been any opposition from the residents. City Engineer Jankowski stated that he has not heard from any others. Mayor Gamec stated that there is not a lot of traffic in the area, and he doesn't think the frontage road will get a lot of the new traffic with the new access to the school. He stated that the road is really narrow and he would think for safety reasons that the parking should be restricted to the residential side of the street. Councilmember Olson stated that she agrees, even though it is a rare occasion when parking occurs on both sides, if an emergency vehicle had to get down there, it wouldn't make a difference how rare it is and feels restricting parking is a reasonable option. Public Works Committee / November 18,2008 Page 2 of 8