Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/17/2009

Home

information would make a big difference in looking at the data. She agreed with Mr. Newlin that when trying to make a left hand turn you cannot see beyond the car. City Engineer Jankowski stated that they have accident diagrams for these accidents, so they know the movements that were being made. Ms. Wright stated that she feels that putting in a 3 way stop sign would make sense. She stated that she has lived there for 21 years and she cannot tell you how many mailboxes she has had to replace or how bad her front yard looks. She suggested speed bumps as another option. She stated that she would like to leave 142nd Avenue and TH 47 open. Jeff Spoerndle 14163 Argon Street, noted that this is his first meeting he has attended. He stated that the road closure at 142nd Avenue would affect them and he is against it right now. He stated that listening to the conversation he agrees that this was poorly planned. He asked what studies have been done if the road outside his property is closed. Chair Elvig stated that part of the reason this body discussed a temporary closure of 142nd Avenue, wasn't because of all the cause and effect of what happened on TH 47 and some awkward planning by the City years ago, but to see what really does happen. Mr. Spoerndle stated that once something is closed temporarily, it will be easier to close it permanently. He stated that he would like to hear what the plan is for the road outside of his property. He stated that one of the selling points for him when they bought the house was that they were starting a fcimily and they now have a 5, 3, and 1 year old. He stated that he agrees that traffic flow through this area is excessive and higher than it should be for a residential road. He asked where the bus stop would go if this was closed. Public Works Director Olson stated that originally when this was to be closed, there were barriers on either side and delineators coming out of the road every 4 or 5 feet. He stated that the idea was to keep it closed for a few years and see what the traffic counts and volumes were and if it didn't work take a look at something else. He reiterated that their primary concern was the safety Qf people. He stated that if the City goes to the State with these concerns, they will most likely go back to their 2004 recommendation and completely shut down the intersection. He stated that in deference to the businesses there, they looked to try something else as a temporary solution. He stated that he doesn't know what would eventually happen with the road. Mr. Spoerndle stated that he doesn't want the area to turn into a hang out area. He stated that by closing the road, he feels it will turn into a bigger hang out area for people, like skateboarders. He stated that he would rather deal with traffic than people hanging out around his house. He suggested a gated arm type intersection, so there would be access for residents, garbage trucks and school buses that are supposed to be there. He stated that he doesn't think this would be more costly than a stoplight. Councilmember McGlone asked if anyone had contacted the school district to see what would happen if the road was closed. Public Works Committee / February 17,2009 Page 6 of 19