Agenda - Council - 10/27/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT Fire ChiefKapler introduced Brian Abbott who has completed the mandatory training in their first 12 months as well as internal training. He advised that Mr. Abbott brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the Department. Fire Chief Kapler explained that Carey Schiferli works as a Community Service Officer in Anoka and was unable to get off work to attend the meeting tonight. Mayor Gamec presented Mr. Abbott with his badge and commented on the importance of fire fighters to the City of Ramsey. Mayor Gamec commented on his experience with their training and work which gave him a greater appreciation for the services they provide to the residents of Ramsey. Councilmember Haas Steffen noted the presence of Mr. Abbott's parents. Mr. Abbott introduced his parents and daughter, Nicole. CITIZEN INPUT Greg R.ojanen, 14277 Waco Street, Rivers Bend Addition, stated a number from his neighborhood are in attendance to discuss the Highway '47 project. He stated he attended the public hearing several weeks ago, heard the presentation from MnDOT, and was disappointed to lean a signal light at 142nd Avenue was eliminated from that project. Mr. Rojanen stated they feel strongly about the need for this signal in order to cross safely due to the heavily used park, trail, and development at that location. He stated they fear for the safety of anyone crossing at 142nd Avenue. Mr. Rojanen stated they also dropped the petition off at local and daycare businesses and found they are also very concerned about traffic safety and the need to provide an ability for safe passage. Mr. Rojanen stated that many residents, 382, have signed these petitions which he then presented to the Council. I I I I I Nancy Rojanen, 14277 Waco Street, stated it seems illogical to her that MnDOT and traffic project managers suggested the people of River's Bend should travel north through the neighborhood to get to Highway 5 in order to go back south. She stated that this is illogical and noted this option is available at the current time if they wanted to use it. However, the reality is that they do not use that route and try to cross at 142nd Avenue. Ms. Rojanen stated she was also frightened the City would model a policy during a time that children are in school which does not show good safety practices. She advised that she talked to residents from her neighborhood who were surprised that there appears to be a quota on the number of signals that can be located in Ramsey. Ms. Rojanen stated that MnDOT used the logic about the one-half mile distance for crossings and if an infrastructure were built before signals were built then that logic would make sense. However, the reality is that this neighborhood is established and 142nd Avenue is a route for traffic that makes sense for people. She stated the housing and roads are already there, there is a safety concern, and there is no other way out that is logical. Ms. Rojanen asked the Council to do what ever is possible to get a traffic light at 142nd Avenue. Larry Gronewold, 14265 Waco Street, asked who makes the final decision on this project. He asked if it belongs with MnDOT or the Ramsey City Council. City Council/October 13, t998 Page 4 of 22 I I' I I I