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I-IRA Minutes Page 4 <br /> October 27,2003 <br /> S Mr.Holme stated that the small businesses proposed for the project would eat up the <br /> parking. He stated that the parking across Highway 10 is dangerous and employees at the <br /> bank refuse to park there due to safety concerns. <br /> Commissioner Motin stated that the Commission has no intention of hurting the existing <br /> downtown businesses. He stated that employees may not be able to park in front of the <br /> building they work in,but parking will be available for customers. Commissioner Motin <br /> explained the proposal to close King Avenue and remove the existing Municipal Utilities <br /> building would replace the parking that is lost in the Jackson Block Development. <br /> Commissioner Thompson stated that the City needs to talk with Mn/DOT regarding <br /> providing a safe pedestrian crossing at Highway 10. <br /> City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that the City has spoken with Mn/DOT several times <br /> regarding the crossing and that there are many issues with a pedestrian overpass. He noted <br /> that an overpass would likely have to have steps and would not meet ADA requirements. <br /> There also is the issue of snow and ice in the winter. A covered overpass would create other <br /> problems such as security. Mr.Klaers stated that a key issue is enforcement of traffic laws to <br /> prohibit drivers from endangering pedestrians. Commissioner Thompson concurred that <br /> enforcement needs to be improved. <br /> Mr.Holmes stated that he does not see how enforcement will work,since there is no room <br /> for law enforcement to pull a vehicle over on Highway 10 without endangering lives. He <br /> stated that they have been told that cameras would not work to ticket drivers. <br /> • Ms.Steinmetz stated that these parking and highway crossing issues were discussed at the <br /> August HRA meeting and that the information is available for those wishing to review it. <br /> Chuck Christian,downtown business owner,stated that he did not understand how <br /> existing businesses would be able to operate with only 9 parking spaces left in the Jackson <br /> Square area. <br /> Chair Toth stated that the parking issues must be addressed as part of the process. <br /> 7. Adjournment <br /> There being no other business,COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO <br /> ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER LIESER SECONDED THE <br /> MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. <br /> The meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority adjourned at 6:10 p.m. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Debbie Huebner <br /> Recording Secretary <br />