Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/17/2009

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numbers, so she got to work early and did her own informal count and now thinks the numbers were accurate. Councilmember Dehen asked if the City gets the same amount of traffic in the evenings as in the mornmg. Public Works Director Olson stated that he thinks iUs a similar amount in the evenings but that it depends on how much congestion there is on Hwy 5 and Hwy 47. He stated that he doesn't know if the solution will solve the cut through problem for the evening drive because people can still go westbound on 47 and 116 to make a left through the neighborhood. He stated that he also spoke with a business owner today, Mr. Sutherland, who mentioned that there are some businesses that are concerned about closure of 142nd Avenue, because one of the businesses that delivers sub sandwiches uses the neighborhood to go out north onto Hwy 5. He stated that he explained that these types of cut throughs were why this meeting was happening tonight and asked that he pass that message onto the business owners. Councilmember Dehen asked if signage is done, whether it will only be on Dysprosium. Public Works Director Olson stated that the City would request a northbound to westbound restriction sign on TH 47, which he feels the State would support. Councilmember Dehen expressed concerns about the turning restrictions cutting off access to businesses during peak hours. . Chair Elvig stated that there are two recommendations that seem to make the most sense; no left hand turn options for a period of time and also road closure at 142nd Avenue and Argon Street. He asked for comments from the audience. Edith Testino, 14178 Argon Street, stated that this road closing only affects 17 or 18 families. She stated that she is home every day and the traffic count information of 1,100 cars coming through, would come out to 45.33 cars per hour, which just does not happen. She stated that she has no problems getting in and out of her driveway or walking her dogs. She stated that the road closing will be more hazardous for children because people will be lulled into security and let their kids play in the streets. She stated that there isn't a way for a cuI de sac to be put in so the big trucks will have to back up, which is dangerous. She stated that she has observed more than one garbage truck back out of the neighborhood, which makes her nervous. She showed pictures to the Committee of the situation when trucks have backed out. She suggested a 3 way stop sign at 142nd Lane and 142nd Street and Argon Street, so people cannot get up to speed in that area, which would irritate drivers so they wouldn't want to cut through. Public Works Director Olson stated that she talked about a false sense of security and stop signs that aren't warranted do the same thing and can make it a more hazardous situation. He stated that if it is unwarranted, many people just drive, many others roll through and a few people will actually stop. Public Works Committee / February 17,2009 Page 4 of 19