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Ms. Bloom provided an update on variety of street reconstruction and mill <br />and overlay projects nearing completion for the 2009 construction season. <br />Twin Lakes Redevelopment Area <br />Ms. Bloom advised that the Phase I portion of the Twin Lakes Parkway <br />was nearing completion; with landscaping hopefully being finalized before <br />weather caused any deferral, with plantings in from the round-about to <br />Twin Lakes Parkway. Ms. Bloom further advised that Iona Lane would be <br />open by November 25, 2009 for buses and parking; and pending weather <br />cooperation, should be available for traffic, meeting the city's <br />commitment. <br />Discussion included whether additional roundabouts were being <br />considered in the community; whether they were more environmental <br />friendly due to less vehicle idling; capacity of roundabouts based on traffic <br />volumes; types of accidents reduced and less severity of those accidents <br />based on slower traffic speeds; reductions in idling, stopping and starting <br />noises; no signal lights at intersections; and substantial reductions in <br />speed; potential impacts to other modes of transportation (i.e., bicycles, <br />slower-moving vehicles, pedestrians); perceptions versus realities of <br />roundabouts; right-of--way considerations at each throat of the roundabout, <br />with pedestrians better protected at the island refuges. <br />Further discussion included pedestrian safety; merging into flowing <br />traffic; location of the crosswalks setback from the lane; and easier visual <br />awareness for pedestrians in those crosswalks. <br />Consensus of PWET Commissioners was that roundabouts were good, but <br />that there was a need to educate the public and make them more familiar <br />in driving roundabouts. <br />Ms. Bloom advised that, as part of the announcement and celebration of <br />Twin Lakes Parkway's Phase I completion, staff would include the PWET <br />in future announcements and ways that educational information can be <br />incorporated (i.e., local media; cable access channel). <br />Member Stenlund noted his favorable impression with the work performed <br />by Eureka Contractors, and suggested possible ways to acknowledge their <br />cooperative partnership with the City, especially the water feature systems <br />and their awareness of resource protection and sensitivity to tree issues. <br />Member Stenlund sought staff comment related to stability and protection <br />measures for rain garden plantings. <br />Ms. Bloom advised that staff s goal is to get them planted where possible <br />(excluding Rosewood), planning to plant the Twin Lakes area with the <br />exception of perennials. <br />TH280 /Paper Calmenson Sanitary Sewer <br />Page 2 of 14 <br />