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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013.03.27 Special City Council Meeting Minutes 613 MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF UNIVERSITY PARK COUNCILCONFERENCE ROOM - CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013 3:30 P.M. Mayor Dick Davis called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Also present were Mayor Pro Tempore Bob Clark, Councilmember Bob Begert, Councilmember Dawn Moore, Councilmember Tommy Stewart, City Attorney Rob Dillard and City Manager Bob Livingston. Staff present included City Secretary Liz Spector, Director of Public Works Bud Smallwood, Director of Community Development Robbie Corder, Director of Finance Kent Austin, Community Information Officer Steve Mace, and Assistant to the City Manager George Ertle. Mayor Davis explained that the discussions would be limited to the possible realignment of the Normandy and Preston intersection. He said much additional information was received prior to today from the YMCA, the First Unitarian Church and several neighbors. He stated the Council will need more time to review that information. Mayor Davis said he hopes to finalize the PD ordinance at the April 2, 2013 meeting and he asked the rest of the Council to verbalize their thoughts about that. Councilmember Begert said he agreed with the Mayor. Mayor Pro Tem Clark said he understood that they will only be discussing the potential realignment today and he also would like to take action on a proposed PD ordinance at the April 2 meeting. Councilmembers Moore and Stewart agreed. City Manager Livingston asked DPW Smallwood to review his memorandum that details "pros" and "cons" of a possible realignment. He mentioned that total costs of the realignment will be approximately $880,000 with the YMCA contributing approximately $150,000 for the traffic signal. Mayor Davis asked if the reconstruction of the intersection could be coordinated with the school year to limit traffic impact. Mr. Smallwood said the work will take six months or more so it will be difficult to avoid work on the street during the school year. He also mentioned that traffic on Preston will be affected as the road will be reduced to one lane of traffic each direction. Mayor Pro Tem Clark asked if Mr. Smallwood had safety concerns related to moving the intersection closer to the YMCA entrance. Mr. Smallwood said there will be no problem in his opinion. Councilmember Begert asked how the City could prevent traffic from "dog legging" across Preston from Normandy if the intersection remains as it is. Mr. Livingston suggested the City post signs indicating "left or right turn only" on both sides of Normandy at Preston. 614 Councilmember Moore asked how the City could make the intersection safer for pedestrians crossing at Normandy. Mr. Smallwood stated crosswalks will be clearly marked and placement of the crosswalks will be carefully studied. Councilmember Begert said most people seem to be against the realignment. Mayor Davis stated he is in favor of the realignment. Mayor Pro Tem Clark said there is no compelling argument to realign. Councilmember Moore reiterated her concern about the pedestrian crossing. Mr. Smallwood offered to provide illustrations of a safe crossing. Mr. Livingston mentioned that once the underground parking garage is constructed there will be far fewer pedestrians crossing Preston. Mayor Davis asked the Council to vote on whether they were in favor of realignment of the Normandy/Preston intersection. Councilmember Begert, Councilmember Moore, Councilmember Stewart and Mayor Pro Tem Clark voted to NOT realign the intersection. Mayor Davis said the issue was decided by a 4/5 vote that the intersection of Normandy and Preston will not be realigned. City Attorney Dillard said he will update the PD ordinance amendment to reflect the recent request of the First Unitarian Church regarding their use of the YMCA garage on holidays when the YMCA is closed. Mr. Livingston suggested the wording in Section P(3) of the draft ordinance be modified to state "as agreed to in the lease agreement between the YMCA and the Church." Mr. John Bunten, a YMCA representative said the YMCA accepts the wording change as requested by the Church. Councilmember Begert excused himself from the meeting. There being no further business, Mayor Davis adjourned the Council Meeting at 4:20 p.m. Considered and approved this 2nd day of April 2013. L!� o W. Richard Davis, Mayor ATTEST: Eli . .- Spector, City 3 ecretary