Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/18/2008

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Judy Mack, 5352 140th Lane, stated that they also have to pay liability insurance on all common grounds in their association. She stated that the roads and streets are private and the liability coverage would increase if the road is opened up. She noted that parking is allowed on one side, which still allows emergency vehicle access through. She stated that the traffic counts from their area are erroneous because' many of the people don't leave their homes. She stated that by putting speed bumps in, there is no way the personal contractor for snow plowing will continue. She stated that the Police Chief had talked about speed limits through the area and the only way that could be enforced is at 25 mph and now it is posted at 15 mph, which is about as fast as you can go. She stated that this would also present a hazard for people backing out of their driveway. Vice Chair Dehen asked if there was anybody in the audience that was in favor of opening the gate. The audience answered no. Richard Janson 5331 140th Court, stated that he looks at the gate and there have been many times when cars or trucks are parked on the north side of the gate, so emergency vehicles could not get through. He stated that he has noticed on weekends, especially and there aren't any no parking signs posted. He stated that he has also noticed that the north side is also not cleared of snow in the winter. Jeff Severson, 5275 143rd Ave NW, stated that he doesn't care about Mallard Ponds. He stated that he lives on Argon and there is a blind comer that has pine trees on the inside and people are coming through too fast. He stated that he wants to make sure there is a concern about traffic on that road. Mr. Chapman asked how many times they would have to go through this before the City takes no as a final answer. Vice Chair Deheri stated that he has been on the Council for 2 years and doesn't know everything that has happened before his tenure. Delores Marleau, 14025 Argon Street NW, stated that there is car traffic but also pedestrian traffic and kids on bikes that go through. She stated that their liability will increase. Kathy Lawrence, 14052 Cobalt Street, stated that she agrees that it would be a liability because people can't stay on their side ofthe street when they are taking turns. Mayor Gamec stated that he has dealt with this issue quite a few times. He stated that he thinks the City screwed up when this was put in, as it was one of the first ones put into the City. He stated that the newer developments have a through street put in now, so the City learned quite a bit from Mallard Ponds. He stated that he cannot see making the changes there, but thinks something needs to be done with 143rd. He stated TH 47 Was supposed to be closed off and that was opened because of the Landmark Bank there. He stated that it is a bad situation and doesn't see a lot of hope to resolve it. He stated that he thinks the key may to be stop traffic from Dysprosium that cuts through to TH 47. Public Works Committee / November 18, 2008 Page 5 of 8