1994-05-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Meeting Minutes May 10, 1994 Page 6 Special Order of Business. continued Esther Nowlin, 196 Windsor Lane, is not directly involved in this issue, but is concerned about the Silver Lake Road Project. She feels that not enough attention has been made to the issue of speed levels and questioned how the MNDot performs their speed studies. She noted that there have been relatively few mid block accidents between 5th and 7th., and questioned the safety of U-turn movements. She appreciated Benke's comments regarding the penalizing of current residents for future traffic projections. She asked how the turning lane pocket length was determined and what is the traffic volume of those left turns. Soler said periodic turning counts were performed for morning and evening peak: hours and those numbers were given to SRF. SRF reviewed the counts based upon the amount of oncoming traffic and turning time to determine the storage space. Nowlin requests to review that information. Soler noted that these counts are required to be performed during peak: hours. Benke noted that the resident consensus appears to favor the five lane option versus a raised median. He said the County should research the five lane option and questioned the accuracy of the 20,000 daily trip count. If the residents prefer the five lane option which would eliminate some green space on the west side, then Council should consider that change. Williams asked that persons living on the west side who would be affected by the fifth lane option raise their hands. Seven people raised their hands. He noted that there appears to be a number of affected homeowners not in attendance; and he would not take any action without their input. The audience members felt that almost everyone living on the west side was present, and those not had signed the petition. Harkins volunteered to contact those persons not in attendance. Benke noted that because of procedure, Council would not take action tonight without further information from staff. It is appropriate to direct staff to review the proposed changes and consult with the County in regards to its impacts and bring that action back to the Council at the next Council meeting. Harkins confirmed that everyone on the west side had signed the petition. Benke realizes that those persons signed the petition, but feels it is correct to allow those residents not in attendance to provide input to the Council. Gunderman requests that all residents from both sides of the street be notified of this possible change. Leonard said the County would provide to Council a confirmation of the traffic volumes, turning movement documentation which dictates lane movements, and a sketch of the five lane design and its affect on adjacent properties. Benke noted the importance of waiting two weeks to ensure a correct decision is made. Larson added. that it is important to review every aspect of this design. Williams complimented the residents for their orderly presentation. He noted that the Council has tried very hard to listen to resident concerns; but as long as there is resident consensus and the roadway is safe, there may be a chance for a five lane design. Special Order of B~iness I Silver Lake Road Raised Median Report 94-103 ,., I I