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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 4 and the County was working with local businesses to keep traffic flowing. He spoke with the County about the timing of the lights and was assured they were working efficiently at this time. Inspector Serien explained accidents along Lexington Avenue were on the rise due to the large number of traffic back-ups. These accidents were working to be cleared as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Sheriff's Office would continue to monitor this situation. Councilmember Holden asked if it was legal to sit in the middle of the intersection during a red light. Inspector Serien stated enforcement at intersections would slow traffic even further. Councilmember Holmes questioned if traffic cops could be used during rush hour to keep traffic moving. Inspector Serien explained this was not a common practice and that a traffic study would be needed. He stated the problem could be exacerbated if a traffic cop were added given the current timing of the lights. There were further complications with adding a traffic cop and resources may not be available to add officers on overtime. Mayor Grant indicated the previous Sheriff, Bob Fletcher, recommended the City hire a traffic deputy to assist the City through this road construction gridlock. He commented that the City has paid for this additional position and asked if it would help. Inspector Serien stated he could not speak to the recommendations of Bob Fletcher. He stated the Sheriff's Office saw these traffic problems coming and have attended several meetings to discuss the issues. Councilmember Holmes questioned how the City should address the traffic concerns. Mayor Grant stated the number of increased accidents was requiring additional attention from the Officers. Inspector Serien was not here to recommend how the City take action. He commented the expense of an additional traffic officer would be high to the City. Councilmember Holden indicated she was receiving calls from business owners on the west side of Lexington Avenue stating it takes 45 minutes to get onto Lexington Avenue. She questioned how the City would be able to rent out the additional office space if this was the case for the next two years. She explained the City needed some relief. Inspector Serien commented that rude driving habits were on the rise and added greatly to the gridlock stress. He noted private property access to Lexington Avenue were tough issues because if the County were to assist with one property, it would have to assist others. Councilmember Tamble asked if the problem was isolated or if traffic could be redirected to 35E.