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Staff was directed to place discussion of paving Bison Street on the next Road and Bridge agenda (may 19, 1998). Committee Business (continued) Case #5: 149th Avenue Traffic Calming (Improvement Project #98-15) City Engineer Jankowski stated that, at the April 14, 1998 Council meeting, discussion ensued relating to what type of traffic calming might be appropriate for the segment of 149th Avenue between Uranimite Street and Ramsey Boulevard. His observations are as follows: 1) Speed humps are not the first choice of the neighborhood as a traffic calming solution. 2) A cul-de-sac is the overwhelming choice of the neighborhood as a traffic calming solution. 3) Residents appear agreeable to being assessed for a cul-de-sac. 4) The location of the desired cul-de-sac is uncertain. 5) The Council directed that a feasibility study be done for the installation of a cul- de-sac. 6) Traffic generation from the neighborhood (Ramsey Boulevard to Armstrong Boulevard) will continue to use 149th Avenue after C.R. #116 is extended if it is not cul-de- saced. 7) C.R. #116 extension should eliminate cut-through traffic originating and terminating west of Armstrong Boulevard. In addition, following are additional concerns of staff: 1) At least three Councilmembers have expressed that they are not supportive of a cul-de-sac. 2) Street closure by cul-de-sacing will change neighborhood traffic patterns that have been in place for nearly twenty years. 3) A cul-de-sac on 149th Avenue would delay emergency response, and would create operational problems for the large fire equipment. He stated the goal is to find a solution that both the citizens and the City Council can agree upon. Upon inquiry, Mr. Jankowski replied that two of the signatures were not valid on the petition by the 149th Avenue residents, but nonetheless, the City Council requested that a feasibility study be done for a cul- de-sac so that has already been initiated. Diane Scheffel, 7460 - 149th Lane NW, Ramsey, stated she was present to voice concerns of the people on 149th Lane with taking on more or all of the traffic if there is a cul-de-sac put in on 149th Avenue. Taking on that much more traffic would cause a real problem on her street. She also expressed a concem about the deaf child in their area and the curves on their road. She pointed out that when the sun is shining in the afternoon, it's difficult to see. She stated that she can appreciate the concerns of the 149th Avenue people, and she does not mind sharing the volume of traffic with them, however, she felt that her street should not have to bear the full brunt of the traffic because 149th Avenue is cul-de-saced. Mayor Gamec stated he knows something has to be done but that the extension of C.R. #116 will definitely alleviate some of the through traffic. He added that he is not in favor of speed bumps and the problem with the cul-de-sac is the length of the street as it would be in violation of the City's ordinances. He stated that, originally, it was thought that stop signs should be placed at the intersections. Will that slow people down? He didn't know - maybe it would deter people from going through the neighborhood. Road and Bridge Committee/April 21, 1998 Page 7 of 8