97-38 AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 95-63

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Rhonda Glidewell stated that most of the residents are neutral on moving the fence back for a trial period, which they do not believe will change the crime statistics. The fence would also back up to the new Homeward Bound facility and would stop access to a busier street for the children. She believes that this fence could be moved and reviewed in six months while making the other barriers permanent at this time. Moore stated that the last time this issue was brought before the Commission, access to the south side of the building was discussed. He cannot see that 65 feet will make that much of a difference since people can walk across the street and walk around the barrier as it now stands. A sign could be posted indicating the alley ends. It was moved and seconded (Moore / Nordholm) to accept staff recommendation that the closures be made permanent, except that the fence at the alley between Macon and Decatur Streets at Monroe Street be moved back 65 feet on a temporary basis. Newell stated that a fence would be erected immediately after City Council approved the ordinance. There was discussion of types of permanent closures being considered. Spangler would like more information on the foot traf�ic around Gallery 510. Paulson stated that, for the most part, that street has been a very quiet street because there is no where to go. This street is a connector for walking between two large apartment complexes, which is the cause of the foot traffic. Some of the vehicular traffic has been moved because of the barriers. Traffic stopping in the area will happen whether the barriers are up or not, and it happens throughout the City. Sober stated that the house across from Ga11ery 510 had a lot of traffic stopping in front of it before the barriers were put in. That traffic has decreased. However, some of these cars are stopping by the barriers instead. The bamers enable that, but it is less than before the barriers were installed. Newell stated that parking is allowed on the street in the area. The barriers offered a convenient opportunity to pull off the road. Gallery 510 would prefer that no barriers be placed on College Street. At the neighborhood meeting, few indicated they would like the barrier to be moved back, but this is a street and not an alley, and it would encourage traflic to use her parking lot more. The neighborhood is very much in favor of keeping the barrier. Gallery 510 is not. The fence idea would address that to some extent and would make it look classier. The closure would be presented to City Council for approval, then given to Public Works for design, and then returned to City Council for contract approval. The vote on the motion was six ayes (Moore, Spangler, Nordholm, Newell, Taylor, and Whiting) and one nay(Chervinko), and the motion carried.