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<br />City Engineer Jankowski stated that he had also invited people to e-mail and call ifthey couldn't <br />be here tonight and he distributed those comments to the Committee. He stated that this project <br />could not be done without the cooperation of Mallard Ponds Townhomes. He stated that he has <br />heard concerns about people walking on narrow streets and perhaps the City could put speed <br />humps on the streets, which can be done, even on private streets. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that staff was directed to contact Mallard Ponds and see if <br />they would be interested because there really wouldn't be any reason for people to use the <br />roadway because it is basically a loop from Dysprosium to Dysprosium. He stated that they met <br />with them and their answer was a resounding no, which is completely within their rights. He <br />stated that he has not seen a lot of support in e-mails or phone conversations to open the gate. <br />He stated that he understands that there are many reasons why the residents wouldn't want the <br />gate to be open. He stated that the City wanted to make sure that they talked to them and <br />informed them of some options. He stated that he doesn't think it is a very viable alternative. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way stated that he and City Engineer Jankowski met with the Board at Mallard <br />Ponds last week. He stated that there have been accidents on TH 47 and for a police officer's <br />purpose if they get a call from Argon Street with an address of 140XX something, they won't <br />know if it is north or south of the gate. He stated that they can bang up the car and go through <br />the gate, if necessary, but the Board was not interested in having it open. He stated that they did <br />discuss delaying the opening of the gate. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that the closure at 142nd would be similar to Sunfish Lake <br />Boulevard, with hard orange plastic pipe as well as concrete on the outside of the curbs because <br />people will try to go around, if they can. <br /> <br />Fire Chief Kapler stated that when this area was developed, it was not an ideal area because there <br />was a busy road on the east and south and also a big wetland that borders Mallard Ponds on the <br />east. He stated that multiple access is always better from a public safety standpoint. He stated <br />that the gate was discussed at that time and then Bunker was improved and Barium Street access <br />was closed, so now there really is only one access. He stated that he respects everybody's <br />opinion, but his responsibility is public safety and from that standpoint only, opening the access <br />would be better. He stated that they are out there all the time for accidents on 142nd. <br /> <br />Darrel Chapman, 14095 Argon Street, stated that it could have been City streets, but the neighbor <br />to the north wouldn't allow it. He stated that they pay full taxes on their houses but maintain and <br />plow their own streets without any help from City, so, if a police car and fire truck has to crash <br />through the gate, he thinks that would cover the money they have already paid in taxes to the <br />City. <br /> <br />Vice Chair Dehen stated that even though the City investigated opening the gate up, it isn't really <br />on the table today. <br /> <br />Public Works Olson stated that it is an option but there are a lot of concerns from people in the <br />audience tonight. <br /> <br />Public Works Committee / November 18,2008 <br />Page 4 of8 <br />