2013-10-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Vanderwall again noted that the rankings of this body were entirely different that those used by the Parks group, and using different criteria and information based on individual and composite rationale in establishing their rankings. Chair Vanderwall noted that, when the PWETC had started this exercise, they had started with a blank sheet showing segments, with no previous ratings, costs, traffic, maps, and other information; with each Commissioner coming at their priorities from a different viewpoint. Mr. Larson opined that he found that troubling, as if using different criteria, the rankings were sure to reflect individual preferences. While this may be true, Chair Vanderwall noted that as a volunteer, private citizen committee working with different areas in the committee, the PWETC those individual experiences and expertise were part of the dynamic of the group in providing recommendations to the elected officials, the City Council. Mr. Larson opined that, while everyone may have different perspectives, the criteria employed in developing the ranking should be understood and similar. Mr. Larson stated that he had great respect for their time and work on behalf of the community, but in this case, he did not agree with the rankings. Shirley Friberg, 2130 Fairview Lane As a resident in this neighborhood since 1960, Ms. Friberg stated that she had spoken repeatedly to the City's Engineer and Public Works Director, and had also met with Ramsey County staff during that time. During those discussions, Ms. Friberg alluded to excuses she'd been given why a pathway could not be constructed along County Road B or in that segment (e.g. not enough children in neighborhood to matter). Ms. Friberg reviewed several mishaps on the roadway; and her previous petition, which should be in the City's records, which had 150 signatures. Ms. Friberg referenced concerns she'd expressed about a lawsuit for the City or County; and subsequent white dividing line painted on by "the City" in response; and later patching by "the City" of portions of the roadway (approximately 12 years ago)that were in disrepair. Ms. Friberg opined that this still did not solve the problem of not having an area long the shoulder of the roadway to safely accommodate pedestrians. Ms. Friberg opined that the City had not been honest about a number of things, whether the Public Works, Engineering, or Police Departments. Ms. Friberg, as a medical reserve core volunteer and former nurse, expressed concern with emergency access from then neighborhood as well. Ms. Friberg opined that the City still had liability on that road; and suggested members of the PWETC attempt walking along it. Ms. Friberg further addressed the former pond that is now basically road runoff that was "green and smelly;" even though it had been trimmed after the neighborhood complained. Page 17 of 22