Agenda - Public Works Committee - 02/17/2009

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disappointed in the outcome of the meeting. It would seem that after much effort over the course of a number of years by me, my neighbors, City Staff, and the City Council we have gone back to square one. As a long time government employee I have come to respect the "process" that is required to resolve problems and make improvements when that process is allowed to be circumvented by citizens and politicians because they have chosen not to participate or stay informed it makes it very difficult for citizens like myself to respect the people we have helped elect. It is apparent that "circumventing the process" was allowed to happen at this recent council meeting. A few people, more concerned with themselves and their perceived inconvenience, have interjected themselves at the last second and prevented a possible solution from being found. Consequently, all of the effort, time, and money committed to solving this problem has now been totally wasted. It is no wonder that people become apathetic towards government. The fact remains that we have a serious traffic issue in my neighborhood that can be witnessed every weekday at the intersection of Argon St. and 142 Ave. Commuter traffic cutting thru the neighborhood in an attempt to avoid the stop light at Hwy 47 and County Rd. 5 (Nowthen Blvd.) occurs every morning and every evening. This is not opinion, it can be witnessed, and it is supported by real data thru the numerous traffic counts that the Public Works staff has acquired. If certain Council Members or citizens choose not to believe the facts.....I challenge them to take some time to witness the situation themselves. A couple of years ago, when we began this effort, former Mayor Tom Gamec took this challenge himself and was convinced of the truth after a single morning. The situation at Argon St. and 142 Ave. is even more serious when you consider that this corner is also a school bus stop for grade school age kids. In order to avoid a tragedy, my neighbors have taken it upon themselves to insure that at least one adult is present at this bus stop every morning I have lived at my current address since 1995 and know this to be true. The closure of 142n may not be the final (and best) solution, thus the plan to do the initial closure as a short-term test. However, doing nothing is not an answer either, and I believe this borders on being irresponsible. A solution must be found, and a first step should have been the closure at Argon St. and 142n Ave I would ask that this issue not be taken lightly and all of our past efforts not be wasted. Paul Miller, Sr. Project Manager Department of Public Works, Property Services 350 S. Stn St., Room 223 Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 673 -3603 Office (612) 210 -1765 Cell (763) 576 -9329 Hom 2 17