Minutes - Council - 05/12/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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for 25 years. He stated the Planning Commission’s recommendation to keep the access open has to do with the location of the school and safe access to the school. He stated he is bothered by potential consequences should that intersection not receive a signal light. In addition, the school will serve as a park resource for the neighborhood but it would be inaccessible to residents across the road, which will act as a barrier. Councilmember LeTourneau asked for clarification on a prior statement that the roads currently in place are not designed to handle greater levels of traffic. He noted the Case contains reference to traffic engineering, public safety, and public works all finding that the roads were within the standards without having access to Highway 5. Planning Commissioner Bauer explained those comments were made by residents indicating access will be an issue as it is a quiet neighborhood. Councilmember LeTourneau clarified that the roads have been designed, and found by staff to be, adequate and able to handle additional traffic. Councilmember Shryock stated she understands the neighborhood’s perceived concern, which may or may not happen, but she anticipates the majority of traffic will head north and come out on Alpine Drive. She noted the Park and Recreation Commission has worked to improve trail systems within a two-mile radius of the school to provide safe routes for students. Councilmember Shryock stated she would like to keep the access closed for multiple reasons. If open, then she would push to have it realigned with the road across the street. Councilmember Shryock stated she would like that access closed because it will create an additional conflict of access points on Highway 5 given the school is there and more cars coming onto Highway 5 within that short distance by the school will exacerbate that situation. Councilmember Shryock supported signalizing the intersection or having a pedestrian actuated crossing at the school and possibly an actuated signal at Alpine Drive for that neighborhood, which will also help the Fire Station when an alarm is received. She supported removing as many access and drive conflicts as possible and to concentrate on actuated signaling when needed. Councilmember Kuzma agreed and stated the Council had discussed this situation when it was considering a data center for the site but residents made it clear they wanted residential. The City informed residents that one of the fallouts with residential would be additional traffic but the residents strongly opposed a data center. Councilmember Kuzma stated he supports closing the access. Mayor Strommen thanked the Planning Commission for their deliberation on this case. Councilmember Riley stated the recommendation of the Planning Commission is to approve it with the access left open as long as possible and until the existing Fire Station is torn down. Community Development Director Gladhill stated the access would remain open this year, during Phase 1, and then be closed during Phase 2 when the Fire Station is torn down. City Council / May 12, 2015 Page 6 of 13