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END PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR FIREFIGHTERS CAREY SCHIFERLI AND <br />BRIAN ABBOTT <br /> <br />Fire Chief Kapler introduced Brian Abbott who has completed the mandatory training in his first <br />12 months as well as internal training. He advised that Mr. Abbott brings a lot of energy and <br />enthusiasm to the Department. Fire Chief Kapler explained that Carey Schiferli, who has <br />completed the same training, works as a Community Service Officer in Anoka and was unable to <br />get off work to attend the meeting tonight. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec presented Mr. Abbott with his badge and commented on the importance of fire <br />fighters to the City of Ramsey. Mayor Gamec commented on his experience with their training <br />and work which gave him a greater appreciation for the services they provide to the residents of <br />Ramsey. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen noted the presence of Mr. Abbott's parents. <br /> <br />Mr. Abbott introduced his parents and daughter, Nicole. <br /> <br />CITIZEN INPUT <br /> <br />Greg Rajanen, 14277 Waco Street, Rivers Bend Addition, stated a number from his <br />neighborhood are in attendance to discuss the Highway #47 project. He stated he attended the <br />public hearing several weeks ago, heard the presentation from MnDOT, and was disappointed to <br />learn a signal light at 142nd Avenue was eliminated from that project. Mr. Rajanen stated they <br />feel strongly about the need for this signal in order to cross safely due to the heavily used park, <br />trail, and development at that location. He stated they fear for the safety of anyone crossing at <br />142nd Avenue. Mr. Rajanen stated they also dropped the petition off at local and daycare <br />businesses and found they are also very concerned about traffic safety and the need to provide an <br />ability for safe passage. Mr. Rajanen stated that many residents, 382, have signed these petitions <br />which he then presented to the Council. <br /> <br />Nancy Rajanen, 14277 Waco Street, stated it seems illogical to her that MnDOT and traffic <br />project managers suggested the people of River's Bend should travel north through the <br />neighborhood to get to Highway #5 in order to go back south. She noted this option is available <br />at the current time if they wanted to use it. However, the reality is that they do not use that route <br />and try to cross at 142nd Avenue. Ms. Rajanen stated she was also frightened the City would <br />model a policy during a time that children are in school which does not show good safety <br />practices. She advised that she talked to residents from her neighborhood who were surprised <br />that there appears to be a quota on the number of signals that can be located in Ramsey. Ms. <br />Rajanen stated that MnDOT used the logic about the one-half mile distance for crossings and if <br />an infrastructure were built before signals were built then that logic would make sense. <br />However, the reality is that this neighborhood is established and 142nd Avenue is a route for <br />traffic that makes sense for people. She stated the housing and roads are already there, there is a <br />safety concern, and them is no other way out that is logical. Ms. Rajanen asked the Council to do <br />whatever is possible to get a traffic light at 142nd Avenue. <br /> <br />City Council/October 13, 1998 <br /> Page 4 of 22 <br /> <br /> <br />