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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,August 25, 2014 Page 9 McGehee moved, Etten seconded, approval of an Encroachment Agreement (At- tachment A) for the construction of a deck at 701 Emerald Ridge. Roll Call Ayes: Willmus, Laliberte, Etten, McGehee, and Roe. Nays: None. Declare County Road B an Urban Section and Establish a Speed Limit of 30 MPH along the Segment Additional written public comment related to this issue was provided as a bench handout, from Julie Watkin, 2093 County Road B West, in support of the reduced speed limit. At the request of Mayor Roe, City Manager Trudgeon briefly reviewed this re- quest as detailed in the RCA dated August 25, 2014; and Mayor Roe opened the meeting to public comment on this agenda item. Public Comment Cal Ross,2181 St. Croix Street Mr. Ross reviewed the history of this area, including closure of County Road B at Highway 280, opining that it essentially put neighbors on a dead-end cul-de-sac without exit capabilities in case of a disaster. Mr. Ross further opined that no pe- destrians had been struck by a vehicle to-date, and with the installation of an 8' pathway, it even further increased safety along the corridor; and therefore ques- tioned why the speed needed reduced to 30 mph. Mr. Ross stated that this put a damper on traffic in and out of the neighborhood, and questioned the rationale in the City making this decision and whether or not it was based solely on the recent speed counter and calculation of the number of vehicles and their speeds. Mr. Ross opined that the typical rate of speed was not excessive at this time and re- ducing it to 30 mph was an inconvenience for residents on that end. Mayor Roe clarified that the speed study and calculations used by the State of MN considered the 85th percentile speed, indicating the average speed was 36.2 mph. Mr. Ross referenced his perception of past discussions related to speed and e- mails he had with staff, indicating that the State would be unlikely to reduce the speed to 30 mph. Mayor Roe clarified that the request to reduce speed had come from a majority of residents in that area. Mr. Ross questioned the validity of that request and whether it was based on a significant number or only a vocal minority, opining that he would like to petition that the speed limit be maintained as is or increased.