1993-05-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I Council Meeting Minutes May 11, 1993 Page 6 Council Business, continued Kathy Keegan, Torchwood, feels the barricading of Torchwood is a major issue and asked that residents be notified when Council will consider this option. She supports the removal of the 8th St. barrier. Benke said Council's consideration of the Redwood issue did not result from the accident with Novak's son, and the request from Redwood came prior to the accident. There are two aspects to the problem, volume and speed. The converting of 8th St. into a one way would deal with the riff raff issue and provide an exit, and speed humps would address the speed issue. He feels the one way option could significantly improved the issue, with or without speed humps. Larson has witnessed school buses maneuvering in many tight areas and does not feel this is a major concern. The safety of the citizens is number one, and he suggested the Torchwood barrier be constructed as a driveover to allow emergency access. He feels the one way access may work because there are fewer children out during the morning commute, and would approve the signal plan at a cost of $25,000. He noted the City would not address such an important issue without notifying residents. Rebelein would not support the one-way option because children catch their buses during the predominate morning traffic commute. Also, this option would not eliminate illegal turns onto 8th St. If Williams' plan is pursued, she feels the Police and Fire Departments need to be brought into the discussion. She questioned whether the buses would have problems picking up children on Torchwood. Benke said the bus route would be redesigned if the Torchwood barrier was installed. Rebelein feels the school district should review such a plan. Benke noted that Redwood's predominate morning traffic travels north to 1- 694 and the afternoon volume travels south. Williams said the proposal's intention is for staff to investigate the plan, but not take action tonight. He is uncomfortable with the opening of 8th St., and reaffirmed that his intention is not to divide the neighborhood. Gunderman suggested that the City negotiate with appropriate governmental agencies to split the costs of the signalization plan. Motion by Williams, seconded by Rebelein, to DIRECT STAFF TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE POSSIBLE INSTALLATION OF A BARRICADE ON TORCHWOOD AND PRESENT THEIR FINDINGS TO COUNCIL ON MAY 25; DISCUSS THIS OPTION WITH POLICE, FIRE AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS; GIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE ISSUE TO TORCHWOOD RESIDENTS; AND DIRECT STAFF TO NEGOTIATE WITH RAMSEY COUNTY AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF A COST SPLIT FOR THE SIGNALIZATION PLAN. 4 Ayes - 1 Nayes (Benke), Motion Carried Council Business Redwood Traffic Issues Report 93-135