Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/20/2006

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Chairperson Elvig inquired about the possibility of designating these streets as part of a construction zone. . Police Chief Way replied a route would need to be designated on the streets if this were done. Councilmember Olson asked how much of this activity existed prior to the construction project, with the kids racing through there. Mr. Cich replied they did not have kids racing through there prior to this. The reason they bought their house was because the neighborhood is so quiet. Rob Umland, 14830 Limonite Street, stated he agrees with everything his neighbors said prior to this. He questioned if a temporary ordinance could be passed to address issues with the state statute. Public Works Director Olson replied it takes Council action to implement an ordinance, including introduction, adoption and a 30 day waiting period. Mr. Umland stated he knows the police are doing what they can in directing resources there, but they should look at when the additional resources should be there, which is rush hour in the mornings and evenings, and into the evening hours on weekends. If possible they should also put an additional officer on duty at that time, at least for the next few weeks. Thirdly, if the stop signs are the only course of action that will be taken they should be posted at every intersection, and if that is not done he would suggest posting them at 148th Lane and Limonite Street, which is the front end of where all the traffic is coming in from Ramsey Market. Police Chief Way explained rush hour for everyone else is also rush hour for the Police Department. He can look at what can be done for overtime shifts. People do drive slower when there is a squad car present, and that is the ultimate goal; the radar trailer is also a good deterrent. He will guarantee they will try to have a patrol car in there, but he cannot guarantee it will be there from 5:00 to 6:00 every night; it will be there as calls slow down. Chairperson Elvig asked if the speed trailer can be used more in the later hours. Police Chief Way replied the speed trailer is not left out at night; he has seen them vandalized in other cities when they are left out overnight. Public Works Director Olson explained the stop signs have been suggested to be located at 14Sth Avenue and Kamacite Street and 147th Lane and Kamacite Street in order to catch everyone traveling through the residential neighborhood, and because it would only require one police officer to watch for people running both intersections. Mr. Umland inquired about the possibility of a CSO in the neighborhood as a deterrent. Public Works Committee I June 20, 2006 Page 6 of 15