CC 02-14-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 14, 2000 14 . Mayor Probst noted that many requests have been made to slow the traffic down in this area and he believed that reducing the four lane traffic down to two lanes would have this affect. Additionally, the addition of an island, similar to Tony Schmidt Park, would serve to further slow down the traffic. Mr. Paulu stated that, from a traffic engineer's point of view, this would not be an appropriate area for traffic calming. Councihnember Aplikowski stated that she was opposed to the idea of a median islmd since she felt that it was uffilecessary. Additionally, my thing less thm two laJles in each direction on Old Snelling Avenue will cause traflic back-up problems. She would prefer two lanes in both directions with turn lanes when necessary. With regard to the pedestrim crossing at the Bethel College entrance, she felt that the college students should be responsible enough to deal with the cunent layout. Councilmember Grant asked Councilmember Aplikowski if she felt that the roadway and intersection should be left as is. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that this may be what she was suggesting. She indicated that she drives this road everyday md there was more through traffic than traffic turning into Bethel College. Councihnember Larson stated that he liked the idea of a mediaJl island. He remained concerned that \vith the number of turns at the intersection, and the amount of pedestrim traffic, an accident will occur. An island would allow apedestrim to stop in the middle of the street if necessary. He was also concerned that there be enough shoulder area to allow for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. . Councilmember Grmt stated that reducing Old Snelling Avenue to one lane prior to McCracken Lme would preoccupy drivers at the McCracken intersection. Additionally, the proposed layout did not include a dedicated left turn lane onto McCracken Lane for northbound traffic. Mayor Probst stated that the CUlTent traffic counts did not support a four Ime roadway. He suggested that the road could be three lanes with the middle lme being a dedicated turn lane. He felt that this would be a safer condition than the current layout of the road. Mr. Brown statcd that Mr. Solar had agreed that a three lane roadway would be safer. However, Ramsey County would not wmt to restripe the road without seal coating. Councilmember Grant requested confirmation that Ramsey County would be restriping part of the roadway, however, they do not wish to restripe the entire length. Mr. Brown stated that this was correct. Councilmember Rem stated that a median island should be considered for pedestrian safety. Councilmember Aplikowski disagreed. She felt that center islands historically cause more accidents. . Ms. Randall noted that the reason the entire roadway was not being restriped was Bethel College would be responsible for the restriping. Mr. Bruce Kunkel, Vice President for Campus Services, Bethel College, stated that an agreement was made for Bethel College to pay to have to current striping removed and Ramsey County would perform the restriping. He indicated that Bethel College was concerned with the safety of the roadway md there were many opinions regarding