Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/17/2009

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Mr. Spoerndle encouraged the Public Works Committee to come up with an innovative solution. Linda Wubbena, 14160 Barium Street, stated that the road closure and no left turns would route all traffic down Barium Street. She stated that she bought her house because there is so little traffic. on the street. She stated that there are a lot of kids on the street and it would create huge issues. She stated that she liked the ideas of speed bumps or speed tables, which the plows would have no problems getting over. Fire Chief Kapler stated that they dealt with a barrier at Mallard Ponds and from a public safety standpoint, he is opposed to barriers. He stated that if they are maintained correctly, they can work. He stated that he respects the feelings of everyone here, but he has to speak public safety. Scott Monette, 5334 1420d Lane, stated that there are a lot of good ideas on the table. He asked for a show of hands of how many people want it closed off. He stated that this could go on and on if we let everybody talk. He stated that he likes the gate idea or the no left turns, but feels that 141 st should also be included. Gary Greb, 14183 Argon Street NW, stated that he has been involved in this for many years. He thanked the City Engineers for taking the .time to consider all the options, but noted that he still has a problem with the 1,100 traffic counts and does not agree that those numbers are accurate. He stated that he likes these ideas but has concerns about closing 1420d Avenue with the curve on Argon at 143rd Avenue because there are trees and obstructions, so you can't see what is coming around the corner. He stated that there have been unreported accidents and many near misses at this location. He stated that kids should not be playing on the roads. He stated that he also has concerns with emergency vehicle access if 1420d Avenue is closed off. Kristine Spoerndle, stated that the City has talked about the accident rate since the intersection was changed and asked what it was before it was changed. She stated that she grew up in Ramsey and doesn't recall seeing or hearing about one prior to the change. Public Works Director Olson stated that prior to the change there were II accidents in the two years prior to the change. Mrs. Spoerndle stated that the intersection really hasn't solved anything issues in the way it was designed and built. Chair Elvig asked for comments from the other side of the argument Denise Sodergren 15771 Lithium Street, stated that almost 5 years ago she was going south to go to Rivers Bend Park with her 12 year and 5 ~ year old. She stated that she was in the left turn lane and there was a large suburban that was blocking the intersection. She stated that she ended up getting T -boned and her 5 year old was killed instantly. She stated that she goes to all the businesses in the area and doesn't think closing that part of the street would change anything. She stated that she feels it is a problem intersection. She stated that when her daughter started driving last year, she told her to never, ever turn there. She stated that this has changed her life forever and would like to see it changed. Public Works Committee / February 17,2009 Page 7 of 19