Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/19/2005

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City Engineer Jankowski advised that the opening of the gate at Argon Street will involve the cooperation with the one of the two Mallard Pond townhome associations. A number of residents of the Mallard Ponds subdivision expressed serious concern over the permanent opening of the gated access on Argon Street, and the Flintwood neighborhood to the north would also be affected. It is therefore important that a forum for public involvement be established in addressing this proposal. Perhaps, an ad hoc committee of residents might be formed to work with staff on identifying specific concerns and how they might be addressed. It would also be advisable to prepare a newsletter outlining the proposed modifications and process. City Engineer Jankowski stated Staff recommends that it be directed to contact the townhouse association to request the temporary opening of the Argon Street gate which would be done in conjunction with the temporary closure of 142nd Avenue east of Argon Street and the barricading of Barium Street north of CR 116. Staff further recommends that the Committee provide direction on the establishment of a public involvement process for the neighborhood. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson asked if they should ask the City Attorney. Chairperson Elvig stated he would rather not and asked what the real reason was to filter traffic down and through the townhouse development. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson stated one option would be for people that would normally go out 142nd Avenue, to go down 47th, or they could go down Dysprosium but with a lighted intersection. Chairperson Elvig stated that the idea about 142nd Avenue is the most attractive coming through the back of the subdivisions. A good way to get onto 116th Avenue then would be to travel down 142nd Avenue and go through Mallard Pond. That is obviously their concern, a thoroughfare if, in fact, 142nd Avenue was closed and the rest was open to the east or west. He stated it wouldn't necessarily be the smartest or fastest route, and that's their rationale. City Engineer Jankowski stated that if 142nd Avenue were closed, it would be pretty difficult to consider that many people would take that as a shortcut. Chairperson Elvig stated that was right exactly. City Engineer Jankowski stated that even with it open, he didn't think it would be a good shortcut. But if it were closed, it isn't even optional. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson stated the individual was saying that it would be a good idea to close 142nd Avenue because if they opened the access gate, you could figure that one-half or a one-third of Mallard Pond would jump onto TH 47. However, that would also close down that movement coming from TH 5. Mayor Gamec stated you probably would have to dead-end where there's a private road. Public Works Committee / April 19, 2005 Page 18 of 21