Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes <br />July 24, 2000 <br /> <br />5.1. Discussion on Appearance alon.q Hi.qhland Road at fhe Cotlage Industries <br /> Townhome Development <br /> <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />The council viewed a videotape that showed the appearance along Highland <br />Road in the Cottage Industries townhome development. Councilmember Farber <br />expressed his concerns regarding the maintenance in the western part of this <br />development. <br /> <br />Joyce Wold, Landscape Chairman for the Cottage Industries Townhome <br />Association, stated that her map shows this area as a natural area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Farber questioned whether the city has any legal recourse to go <br />after the developer to improve the landscaping along Highland Road. Mr. Klaers <br />stated that the city has no legal recourse as the residential project has been <br />considered complete. Councilmember Farber suggested the townhome <br />association could mow the grass without adding any cost or undue hardship. <br /> <br />Ed Wartman, 19121 King Court, stated that he lives adjacent to the property and <br />does not consider it to be an eyesore. <br /> <br />Merlin Blair, Wilson Street, suggested that the townhome association just mow the <br />outer strip facing the boulevard. <br /> <br />Councilmember Farber stated that the decision of how this area should be <br />landscaped should be left up to the townhome association. <br /> <br />5.2. Discussion Re.qardin.q Traffic on Auburn Street in Hillside Development <br /> <br />City Engineer Terry Maurer informed council that the city, along with the police <br />department conducted surveys, informational meetings, speed studies, and an <br />origin/destination study relating to Auburn Street. Mr. Maurer stated that based <br />on these studies, staff is not in favor of constructing a cul-de-sac on Auburn Street. <br />Mr. Maurer informed the council that if Auburn Street were blocked off it would <br />create longer response times for emergency vehicles to respond to a situation. <br />Mr. Maurer stated that there are other alternatives to improve safety in the area, <br />including traffic calming, round-abouts, or gateways. Police Chief Tom Zerwas <br />noted that the average speed on Auburn Street is 23.53 mph and this is the <br />second lowest average speed recorded during speed checks on Elk River city <br />roads. <br /> <br />Mayor Klinzing opened the floor to the public for comment. <br /> <br />Merlin Blair, Wilson Street, commented that he is not in favor of a cul-de-sac on <br />Auburn Street but would like to see some sort of solution to slow traffic. <br /> <br />Dave Crocker, Auburn Street, stated that the speed limit should be lowered and <br />suggested that breakaway barriers be used for emergency personnel to get <br />through. <br /> <br />Chris Haugen, 19366 Auburn Street, noted that residents do not want speed <br />bumps, as it would create plowing problems and drivers would go around the <br /> <br /> <br />