Minutes - Council - 06/27/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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made aware of. When they attended the meeting last fall, there was a letter sent out to the residents stating a public hearing was going to be held regarding the issue and only seven people were present at the meeting which was when the decision was made to change the sidewalk from the north side of Sunwood Drive to the south side. She also noted that she talked to a park board member who indicated that a professional came out ten years ago and decided that the sidewalk should be placed on the north side and questioned how can that be done when the development bas only been there for seven years. There are no driveways on the south side of the road and with ACCAP being constructed on the south side and the park being located on the south side she feels the sidewalk should be on the south side. There will be a stoplight at the intersection of T.H. #47 and Sunwood Drive, which will make for a safe crossing. Most of the people who enter the neighborhood take a left on Germanium Street, which is not a cul-de-sac, and if the trail were located on, the north side people would have to cross that pass. She would prefer no trail, but if that is not possible the sidewalk should be done now while it is proposed and constructed on the south side. Pictures were presented to the Council identifying the obstacles on each side of the road. Councilmember Connolly replied that she does not believe a sidewalk is needed between the three existing blocks along Sunwood Drive and would prefer to work with ACCAP and On'in Thompson Homes on an alternative. She also noted that Lord of Life is very willing to place a trail through their property. Councilmember Anderson stated that Sunwood Drive is a collector street. She explained that she had discussions with the head of safety at School District #11 regarding busing concerns and he had indicated that he would prefer sidewalks on both sides of the road because it would be the safest for the children, but would have to favor a sidewalk on at least one side for safety reasons. She indicated that she would be in favor of locating the sidewalk on the north side of Sunwood Drive so that it is consistent with the existing trail system. Councih'nember Zimmerman stated that if a sidewalk were to be constructed he would not support the north side location since the only driveway is on the north side and would lend some liability to the City. Councihnember Hendriksen stated that he thinks the residents are considering the sidewalk based on how the current neighborhood exists and not seeing the future danger that will occur with the expansion of Sunwood Drive. He also noted that there has been some claims as to what he has or has not said regarding the issue and if anyone in the audience would feel more comfortable for him not to vote on the issue he would step down from voting. Mayor Gamec stated that he would favor the north side location. He explained that he viewed Sunwood Drive during the day and night and there are a lot of young children that go along Sunwood Drive with most of them coming on County Road #5 into the development. He could see the need for the trail and explained that it is something the City has planned for several years. Nobody wants to make enemies among their neighbors and advised them not to do so because the neighborhood is not making the decision, the City Council is. City Council/June 27, 2000 Page 7 of 26