Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/17/2009

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but limiting the traffic will cut it down. He stated that he thinks there would be impact to the businesses, but would like to see how it works. Councilmember McGlone extended his sympathy to Ms. Sodergren on the loss of her son. He stated that there are about 22,000 cars a day that travel on TH 47. He stated that Ramsey is not the same place that the mailman moved into, it is different now and it will be different ten years from now. He stated that when traffic is moved from one place, it just gives it to somebody else. He stated that he feels intelligent decisions should be based on facts, not feelings. He stated that there are no easy answers to anything being discussed. He stated that he tends to agree with the' public safety officers that stopping traffic in and out of the neighborhood is a bad idea. He stated that he thinks the traffic count data may be skewed for different reasons, such as the hailstorm. Public Works Director Olson stated that he appreciates the comments and concerns raised tonight. He stated that the reason they changed their recommendation from the road closure is that they felt it would be an interim check by using just the restrictions. He stated that this wasn't a permanent fix, hut would decrease the amount of cut through traffic. Chair Elvig stated that he thinks there are a lot of variables that suggest the City may have a smarter way of doing this. He stated that he isn't a proponent right now of closing the median. He stated that he would like to. try the signs in one direction and take traffic counts on just one side. He stated that his problem is that no matter what is done there is still a problem within the neighborhood itself. He stated that he thinks something needs to be slowed down and really likes the ideas of speed tables mentioned earlier. He stated that he would like feedback from Public Works on how they feel about plowing them. He stated that he also feels lighting and lack of sidewalks are an issue. He stated that he thinks there may be a more comprehensive plan with more elements to it than just closing off a road, but it may still come down to closing the road. He stated that he would like to take staffs recommendation, but not the left turn onto 142nd Avenue and count who is coming through and have that separated out. He asked staff to look into what it would take to redesign the intersection at 142nd Avenue and TH 47. Councilmember McGlone stated that another suggestion he has for the neighborhood is to limit parking to one side and adding walkways for pedestrians. Chair Elvig stated that his concern with closure is how cars turn around. Public Works Director Olson stated that you would back into 142nd and turn around. Councilmember Dehen stated that this was discussed extensively in December when Chair Elvig was out of the country. He stated that this could be studied to death and traffic counts could be taken to death and he is sick of hearing about it and wants to try something now. Chair Elvig asked if the City is working on Dysprosium this year. Public Works Director Olson stated that because of funding constraints, the overlay planned for a portion of Dysprosium was delayed until 2010. Public Works Committee / February 17,2009 Page 10 of 19