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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 07-16 CCM Special Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL SESSION JULY 16, 1974 CITY HA Call to Order The City Council met in special sess c and was called to order at 7 :30 p.m, by Mayor Philip Cohen, Roll Call Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Jensen, Kuefler and Fignar, Also present were City Manager Donald Poss, Director of Public Works James Merila, and Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere Hearing for Walkway The Mayor announced that the purpose of the special Project on France session was to hear testimony regarding the portion of Place and France the walkway network proposed for France Place and Avenue North France Avenue North which was deleted from construction in 1973. He stated that the intent of the hearing was to acquire further input from interested citizens so the final determination could be made by the City Council. The City Manager reviewed the history of the development of the walkway network program and ' N action taken to delete the portion of the walkway ne Drk on France Place and France Avenue North. The Director of Public Works commer id as to the status of the walkway program and noted than with regard to the subject sections various petitions had been rece -eved from the residents in the area both opposing and favoring the construction. Extensive discussion ensued regarding the traffic on France Place and France Avenue North with particular regard to pedestrian and bicycle counts taken by the City Engineering Department. Further discussion ensued relative to the design of the proposed walkway, t1 ramifications of the walkway on Northport Park and Northport School and the neighborhood concern as to the affected trees, Mayor Cohen noted the minutes of the Southwest Neighborhood Advisory Group on May 6 1974„ wherein the subject walkway segment was discussed. The Mayor then opened the public hearing and recognized, a number of residents of the area including Mr.. Da.iloy, 3900 France Place, who presented slides and commentary as to the possible ramifications of the walkway on estab- lished trees in the boulevard area Mayor Cohen also recognized the residents of 3807 France Place, 5325 France Avenue North 5510 France Avenue North, 3918 France Place, 5330 F Ance Avenue North, 3828 France Place, 3912 France P, ? 1 5330 France Avenue North, and 3806 Eckberg Drive. whc sated their concerns and positions both for and fainst the proposed walkway s egment -1- 7 -16 -74 An extensive discussion ensued regarding the dimen- sions of the City street right -of -way, the location of the proposed walkway, and the nature of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area Motion by Councilman Jensen and seconded by Closing the Councilman Fignar to close the public hearing. Hearing Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar and Jensen. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Cohen commented as to the remarks made with respect to the ramifications upon property values and the ability f homeowners t market h properties. o a et t eir Y He noted that France Place was unique in some respects from France Avenue North, but he stated the main con- cern was with safety of citizens as well as public access to community facilities. Councilman Kuefler stated his concerns with traffic control in the area particularly with respect to safety on France Place. Councilman Britts stated that he felt there was definitely a traffic problem in the area which was unique in that the walkway was a connector link to the total network. He noted his concerns as to the construction of the walkway and the care which must be taken to protect established trees. In further discussion Councilman Jensen stated that he was in favor of the walkway program and supported the proposed segment, including walkway on both sides of France Avenue North between Eckberg Drive and 55th Avenue North. Councilman Fignar discussed the intent of the walkway network and stated that while he appreciated the concern of the residents who are in opposition to the segment, the safety considerations of providing walkway on the established right of way affirmed his support of the program. Councilman Kuefler stated his support of the walkway network,, but questioned whether a proposal of con- . structing walkway on both sides of France Avenue North between Eckberg Drive and 55th Avenue North was well founded. Following further comments the Mayor stated that the j basic issues appear to be the ramifications of th'e walkway upon established trees, the need for enhanced traffic controls in the area, and whether walkway should be provided on both sides for at least a portion of France Avenue North. Moti)on by Councilman Fignar and seconded by Action Restoring Councilman Kuefler to reaffirm the segment of walkway France Place and along France Avenue North and France Place as part France Avenue North of the walkway network system and order its scheduling to the Walkway System for construction, Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar and Jensen, Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. 7 -16 -74 -2- Action Adding Walkway Motion by Councilman Jensen and seconded by to the Walkway System Councilman Britts to approve the addition of walkway on France Avenue North on the west side of France Avenue North between 55th Avenue North and Eckberg -Drive to the walkway network system and order its scheduling for construction. A brief discussion ensued with Councilman Kuefler stating that he was opposed to the addition since he did not feel it was necessary for the area. Councilman Britts stated that he was in favor of the proposal, noting he had discussed the concept with a number of citizens in the area and he-felt confident it was both necessary and desirable. Mayor Cohen then called for a vote, Voting in favor were: Councilmen Britts, Jensen, Fignar and Mayor Cohen. Voting against: Councilman Kuefler. The motion passed, Action Arranging for Motion by Councilman Britts and seconded by a Tree Consultant Councilman Kuefler to authorize the engagement of a tree consultant to examine the status of certain trees along the segment and to advise the City during the construction of the walkway network as to the ramifi- cations upon existing trees. Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar and Jensen. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. "Nalkway Installation Motion by Councilman Fignar and seconded by on South Side of France Councilman Britts to direct the installation of walkway Place (Motion Failed) on the south side of France Place rather than the north side. Councilman Fignar stated that the basis for the motion was his concern with the safety of pedestrians on the walkway and the danger of vehicles leaving the street as they rounded the curve on France Place. Councilman Jensen responded that the proposed location of the walkway would result in more crossings and thus more potential danger. The Mayor then called for a vote. Voting in favor was Councilman Fignar. Voting against: Councilmen Britts, Jensen, Kuefler and Mayor Cohen. The motion failed. Adjournment Mayor Cohen adjourned the meeting at 10:25 p.m, Clerk Mayor -3- 7 -16 -74