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I I I Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 1999 Page 4 Public Hearing. continued Olson explained that staff's intent is to build a road which serves the best interest of both 16th Ave. residents and the entire residents of New Brighton. Staff attempted to find a happy medium, and feel this has been accomplished by providing a safe avenue of traffic for both pedestrians and motorists. Larson asked if the redesigning of Foss Rd. would provide the needed radius. Olson believes the additional width and radius would solve any maneuvering problems, and Aplikowski supports the changes. Samuelson asked if the staff recommendation involves additional project costs. Olson acknowledged that Option B requires an additional $38,000 which would be funded through MSA, and would not involve increased assessment amounts to residents. Benke noted a letter from Karen Wolfe which stated "if 16th Ave. SW maintenance is funded by MSA, why are the residents of 16th Ave. assessed an amount equal to those residents that do not live on the state assisted street." Olson explained the City's assessment policy states that MSA funds are used for costs above and beyond the typical standard designed roadway. Benke asked if lighting modifications will be made to the pedestrian crossing at the railroad tracks. Olson verified this crossing contains a street light, and no changes are recommended. John Isaacson, 97 15th Ave. SW, was unable to attend the previous hearings, and stated his original preference to retaining the road in its current state. However, he would support Option B as a compromise. Olson explained that the "do nothing" option did not include the sidewalk, and Option C would not provide for a calmed/safe roadway. Benke questioned if the safest design would be the 44 ft. width with a parking ban. Betty Meck, 93 16th Ave., feels the traffic calming methods (street choking, sidewalks, speed signs, and stop signs) used on St. Anthony Blvd. in Minneapolis provide for a safe roadway. Narrowing the street adds potential danger for vehicles backing out of driveways, and she suggested Option C could be modified to a 40 ft. road width, 4 ft. sidewalk, 2 ft. crushed rock boulevard, and stop signs. She feels people abide by stop signs, and this should be the preferred traffic calming method on 16th Ave. Roxanne Osterhorst, 69 16th Ave. SW, supports Option C for its safeness and reduced assessment costs. She noted difficultly when backing out of her driveway. Darrell Osterhorst, 69 16th Ave. SW, noted the traffic and trash generated from those using 16th Ave. as a shortcut. He objects to the installation of sidewalks, and feels the only way to calm traffic is through stop signs and additional lighting . He feels the street reconstruction will affect his property values negatively. Linda Picard, 344 16th Ave. SW, supports Option B and feels additional lighting and sidewalks will provide a safe roadway. Concerning Picard's question, Olson explained that amount funded by MSA is not contained within the assessment portion. A single family home would be assessed 25 % of the street surfacing, curb, and gutter costs. Public Hearing Highcrest Area Street Reconstruction Project 99-1 Report 99-087 Resolution 99-033