Minutes - Council - 09/11/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. CITIZEN INPUT Dean Tiely, 16611 Coquina Street NW, stated that this afternoon there was a rollover accident at 167th and Nowthen Boulevard, noting that is not the first accident at that intersection. He asked that the Police Department spend more time observing that intersection for enforcement in an attempt to deter bad driving habits. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that the Council discussed the issue of road safety at the work session meeting prior to tonight's regular meeting. He thanked the resident for his comments and noted that his concern would be passed on to the Police Department. Justin Jackson, 5950 159th Avenue NW, stated that he felt misled by some statements at the last meeting. He stated that his comments tonight are in regard to the pedestrian bridge, Mississippi Skyway. He stated that he would like to find out the exact cost, the donations and grants that have been received and the amount the citizens of Ramsey would need to provide. He stated that it seems that the grant funds would be available for safe passage and do not specify Highway 10, therefore he believes that perhaps that safe passage could be provided to the children crossing Nowthen Boulevard to reach the elementary schools. He also wanted to know who owns the land that the bridge would land on and how much that person is contributing to any campaigns for those running for City office. He stated that it appears that person would have a lot to gain by gambling with resident tax funds. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood could speak with Mr. Jackson to provide more information on the pedestrian bridge, the costs and funding. He noted that project is simply a proposed project and no decisions have been made on that project thus far. He stated that staff could also provide an update on what is being planned to provide safe crossings for the elementary schools. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that perhaps he could exchange his contact information with Mr. Jackson to further discuss the topic. He stated that the grant application submission was in the amount of$3,400,000 in federal funding, $490,000 from the National Park Service, and $100,000 in transit-oriented development funds from the Metropolitan Council that was used for planning. He stated that the grant funds would only be applicable for the pedestrian crossing. He stated that this is an opportunity to bring some of the City's own funds back home for this project, as the funds have been paid in federal taxes. He referenced some improvements that would be helpful along CR 5 and noted that during the worksession the Council directed staff to reach out to the County in attempt to have an analysis done of the corridor. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that a traffic analysis was done as part of the construction of the new elementary school and while the analysis did not warrant a traffic light at the intersection for the school or at 167th, which the City did disagree with, a traffic signal was proposed for 170th. He stated that traffic signal may improve the mobility of the traffic at 167th and advised that staff will continue to monitor the issue. He stated that there will be improvements to the trail connections for the school. He stated that there is an agreement that there is a need for a corridor study of Nowthen Boulevard. City Council/September 11, 2018 Page 3 of 8