Agenda - Public Works Committee - 07/16/2002

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P.W. CASE DISCUSSION OF EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS ON ARGON STREET By: Steve Jankowski, City Engineer Background: During the plat approval process for the Mallard Pond subdivision it was agreed that the connection of Argon Street between the Flintwood Hills 3rd addition and the Mallard Pond subdivision would be limited to the passage of emergency vehicles only. Section VII b of the Development Agreement states: "The barrier to be located just south of Argon Street entering into the Mallard Pond PUD shall be designed such that it can be easily removed in times of emergencies and is subject to the approval of the City." Throughout the platting process the discussion of the barrier focused on the issue of vehicular traffic between the adjacent developments. As new residents took up occupancy in the new development, there was a desire to also prevent pedestrian traffic as well. The barrier which is now proposed by Mallard Ponds, consists of a wooden gate across the roadway and would be augmented with additional fencing that would extend fi:om the emergency gate to the townhouse structures on both the east and west sides of the streets, thus pedestrian access as well as vehicular access would be blocked. It is staff's opinion that excluding pedestrian access exceeds the original intent of the barricade. There have been several police incident reports over the pedestrian use of this segment of Argon Street. At this point, the Developer has had the gate fabricated and it is ready for installation. Staff has requested that the installation be delayed so that the Committee could consider this matter prior to incurring the additional cost of installation. Action: Based upon discussion Reviewed by: Director of Public Works Principal City Engineer Street Maintenance Supervisor PW: 07/16/02