05/19/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Tape II Side A e e oppose the project strictly on a monetary basis, because of the availability of hardship deferral provisions. He does oppose the idea of the jog but feels the Council should move swiftly to approve the project before another person is injured. Howard Warner, 1510 Alder, formerly a member of the Active Bethel Citizens, feels that, to get full benefit from the cost being assessed, the road should be widened to four lanes. Don Hatfield, 2189 Dewey, has gotten the impression that only those on Barger are opposing the project. People living on other streets that have been improved have had to pay those assessments so it seems fair to him that the people on Barger pay that assessment, noting they are free to travel on other improved streets for which they have not had to pay. He questioned the need for sidewalks except in the areas by the schools. He also raised the issue of people who live on corner lots having to pay assessments on two street improvements. That policy should be looked at, he felt. He finally brought up a point made by a gentleman not able to attend the hearing - that the speed should be lowered on Barger after it is improved. Mr. Hatfield's opinion is that it could be left at 40 miles per hour but definitely no higher. Bob Moulton, attorney, 777 High, representing two property owners on Barger, questioned the need for improving all three segments of Barger at this time. 1974 figures showed traffic on Barger east of Echo Hollow to be 3400, Echo Hollow to Beltline 3900 and west of Beltline 5800 per day. He wondered if Council could consider paving in two parts, doing that portion west of Beltline at this time. With much vacant land north of Barger, there does not seem to be such a need, based on the traffic count and the number of bicyclists and pedestrians. Ruth Grimes, 5000 Barger, opposed taking unequal portions of people's property. Sandi Tomlinson, 915 Oak Street, represented a property owner on Barger. She said the people losing are the people paying. She questioned what effect taking the jog would have on safety. She also pointed out that having parking would provide bicyclists with a way to get around buses. A. J. Linskey, 1995 Regina, raised again the question of people who cannot afford to pay the assessment. Public hearing was closed. In addressing some of the questions raised, staff explained that there is compensation made for trees which have to be taken from property. The contract for the project is anticipated to be awarded June 23 with a completion date of October 1. A review will be made of the proposal to stage the construction through two construction seasons. ,Regarding the Barger-Beltline overpass, it is proposed that this be a full diamond interchange; however, the county is responsible for the project and they have not been able to indicate a time table as yet. As to Royal Avenue, it is a proposed overpass of Beltline with no connection to it. On the issue of the speed limit, the State Speed Control Board will be asked to advise what speed should be established. Traffic Engineer pointed out that there have been many serious accidents on the street, that it is essential that the street be improved, and that the preliminary design before Council now appears to be a good one which will serve for 20 years with no problems. 275 5/19/75 5