1993-05-25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes May 25, 1993 Page 7 Council Business. continued Larson asked if the canopy could be moved closer to the building. Mr. Smith feels this would not be possible because of the building layout. Motion by Benke, seconded by Gunderman, to REFER THIS ITEM TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC HEARING. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Mattila said the issue was placed under the Announcements and Updates portion of the agenda. Under that section, people are not invited to attend because it is not a public hearing. When the item comes forward in June, the property and adjacent owners will be contacted. He feels the City needs to take a comprehensive look at what this impact would have on other service stations. His survey found that other cities are considering this issue in the same context as what is found in the City's existing ordinance. Benke explained that the traffic concerns in the Redwood, Forestdale and Torchwood area would be addressed by reviewing the following three options: closing off Torchwood at Forestdale to redirect traffic from Driftwood and Redwood south of Forestdale; shared funding from the County for temporary changes to signal at Forestdale and Silver Lake Road; and status of the 8th St. barricade. Williams noted that at the May 11 meeting, he directed staff to research the possible closing of Torchwood. Staff contacted representatives from the Fire, Police, Healthspan and the Mounds View School District regarding the closure. In the mind of these emergency response individuals, the closing would clearly increase response time. In addition, staff received many comments regarding their opposition to the closure of Torchwood. Williams requested that the closure of Torchwood not be considered a viable option. He appreciated staff's consideration of the issue. Greg Jermain, Torchwood, asked what problems arose which required the consideration of the Torchwood issue. Benke said the issue of traffic speed and volumes in this area goes back many years. Council requested review because of concerns relating to pedestrian and vehicle safety. Staff researched the issue by installing volume counters, monitoring complaints and Police observation. Terry Reuther, 711 Torchwood, feels that the curves on Forestdale decrease visibility and that too many cars park on the street. Gunderman said the Council had informally agreed to split the cost for the signalization plan, if the County agreed to pay half. Childs verified that the County has agreed to split the $50,000 cost. It was determined that the City would prepare the engineering plans and specs and the County would perform the construction, supervision and inspections. Council Business Service Station Canopies Report 93-147 Redwood Lane Traffic Issues Report 93-148