Laserfiche WebLink
Police Chief Katers stated that within City Code both major and minor plats recognize the naming <br />of streets following County grids. He stated that the naming grid goes throughout the County, <br />using the example of different cities that use birds or trees. He stated that there have been approved <br />changes in the past but in this case, these roads match roads in existence today. He explained that <br />it is very important for public safety response to be able to use the grid, noting that he knows how <br />to get to a home without looking at a map based on the address. He stated that he does not mind <br />adaptations if there is a public benefit, but he does not see that to be the case in this request. <br /> <br />Fire Chief Kohner echoed the comment that consistency is very important in public safety. He <br />stated that when deviations are made, it creates a larger learning curve and does not benefit the <br />City. He noted that there are a number of residents on these streets already and therefore it is <br />important to keep those roads running north and south following the Anoka County grid. <br /> <br />Tom Bakritges, Capstone Homes, stated that they view this as common sense and are aware of the <br />grid naming system. He stated that they are requesting to replace unicorn with umbrellabird. He <br />noted that unicorn is not an animal and is horrible for marketing. He stated that umbrellabird is a <br />unique name that is also an actual animal and therefore follows the grid naming system. He stated <br />that the second request is made in order to honor the Pearson family on the property. He stated <br />that from the beginning they have said they would like to use Pearson as a street name, whether <br />that is parkway, drive, or street. He stated that most cities are flexible as long as the north/south <br />and east/west pattern is followed. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley confirmed agreement on the other three street names of Quintana, Rabbit and <br />Tiger. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked the thought process behind changing names in Riverstone North. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley explained that the County planned the street name as sloth, but the applicant <br />and City agreed to replace that with snowy owl. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that change would then replace the mammal with a bird. She <br />asked if the applicant is open to other U names. She stated that she is not a fan of unicorn but <br />would like to stay in the mammal theme. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he does not have a problem with unicorn and also did not <br />have a problem with sloth. He stated that he understands the goal of Pearson Parkway but could <br />not support that as it does not match the alphabet pattern. He stated that he lives in the mineral <br />section of roads on Uranimite and noted that uranimite is not actually a word outside of the street <br />name. He stated that he supports the City recommendations because of the public safety reasoning. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley stated that there is already a snowy owl and would prefer to keep that. He stated <br />that perhaps Pearson Parkway could be moved to the U road placement as a compromise. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff noted that Unicorn Street already exists in Ramsey with addresses on <br />it. <br /> <br />Public Works Committee / February 16, 2021 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br /> <br />