Agenda - Council - 10/22/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Road and Bridge Committee recommended that the City Council temporarily close 171st Avenue. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that you could justify leaving it open but this has turned into a neighborhood problem. Mr. Dusbabek has had problems with people speeding by his place. The action recommended by the Road and Bridge Committee was to temporarily close 17tst to see ff the area would settle down to using Bison to C.R. #63. Councilmember Beahen inquired of the amount of time "temporarily closed" pertains to. Councilmember Zimmerman responded that Council would continue to assess the situation and that the Road and Bridge Committee did not determine a length of time. Mayor Hardin stated that based on the numbers, he is not in favor of closing that street. He felt we need to analyze this situation and that closing the road is not a good policy. Councilmember Zimmerman agreed but was concerned about the neighborhood conflicts. Councilmember Beahen asked about determining a date certain to address this situation. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the Road and Bridge Committee suggested that this closure of I7Ist be temporary and that it be some sort of structure. If construction of a barricade occurs, it appears more permanent but it was felt that if temporary barricades were placed in that neighborhood, they would be removed. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that the road would be left open to emergency vehicles. Tkn Dusbabek, 7821 - 171st Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that he was at the Road and Bridge Committee meeting and due to the uniqueness of this area, traffic counts alone should not be used to determine what action should take place. He stated that people watch Council meetings on television so they know what's being done. He saw a car back up twice to avoid the counts and that from 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning there's no traffic - but there are a lot of cars earlier. He continued that people have stated they did not need I71st, however, people are using this road to go into Elk River just to show off. He told of neighborhood kids speeding by his kids and that the cops have been called to the area, and a Ramsey patrol officer has told him (Dusbabek) that all the things going on sound like a witch hunt. If people say they don't need this street, then, fine - close it off. Mayor Hardin suggested there should be stop signs put in instead. Mr. Dusbabek stated he would not be up here if it was not for some inkling that this situation could be changed. He asked if he was wrong to try to make a safer environment for his children. He asked that the Council not belittle this situation. There's some history behind here that says there's more to it. He felt he was justified in feeling he is at his wit's end as he is very frustrated with the process - and of taking on Trott Brook Ridge traffic and the fact that Council has been indecisive about this. He felt them is very blatant favoritism on one side. What's the big hang up if 171st gets closed and connected up with Bison. Mayor Hardin suggested it is not a good process to close streets. Motion by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to temporarily close 171st Avenue and see if the situation is improved. City Council/August 13, 1996 Page 20 of 22 I I I I I I I I' I I I I I I I