05/07/1996 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 5/7/96 ,~~, from Issue 2 funds and cannot be spent elsewhere. Mr. Limpert agreed with Mrs. Hartzell that right now a light is not needed in this area. However, he does believe that it may be needed in the future. The dynamics of the traffic situation may change because Mill Road is being widened to three lanes. If we do not take advantage of the Issue 2 funds, the money may not be available in the future. Mr. Limpert said the `fury is still out" on this issue and it would require more study in the upcoming weeks. Mr. McKay mentioned that this project also involves the correction of drainage problems in the area. Mr. Bohlmann said that Mr. McKay was correct. He also commented that people seem to forget that about 40,000 square feet of retail space is currently empty at Water Tower Square. When this is filled, more traffic will result. There are legitimate pros and cons of whether the traffic light should be installed and whether the street should be widened to allow for a turning lane. As he has mentioned in the past, once the city gets a final set of drawings, a public meeting will be held for the residents to discuss the issue and make their comments. He estimates that the final plans will be available sometime in June, and the goal is to go out to bid in late July. Mrs. Hartzell asked if Porter Road was going to be widened from Lorain Road to Center Ridge. Mr. Bohhnann explained that the third lane, a turning lane, would only be at the intersection of Porter, Mill and North Park. Mayor Boyle commented that the traffic light does not have to function 24 hours aday--it could be used as a blinker during times of light traffic. Also, it is important to note, as Mr. McKay stated, this project will improve drainage in the area. Commenting on Mr. Lambert's suggestion that Council pass Ordinance 96-52 this evening, Mrs. Saringer stated that it was scheduled to be passed tomorrow evening at the special Council meeting. Bethia Kummer, 4845 Porter Road, is also concerned about the proposed Porter Road traffic light. She would like to be sure that all Council members attend the public hearing when this issue is discussed. Mrs. Kummer also suggested that the money for this project be used for the Allendale flooding problem. Mayor Boyle again explained that the Porter Road project was being funded by State of Ohio Issue 2 money. The city does not have the ability to use the funds for other projects. Municipalities submit projects to be funded by Issue 2, and the projects are rated. This project is one of 32 m the county that made the cut-off. If North Olmsted does not use the funds, the money will go to the municipality that has the next project on the list. In answer to a question by Mr. Limpert, Mr. Bohhnann stated that the Allendale project was submitted for Issue 2 consideration. Unfortunately, it did not score enough points to make the final list. Ernest Cummings, 5904 Stearns Road, said that a turning lane is needed at Stearns and Lorain for traffic traveling north. Syed Arjf, 4550 Porter Road, would like the speed limit on Porter Road to be reduced or at least enforced. The drivers are using the street as a `Treeway" and he is concerned for the safety of his young son. He said he would give permission for the police to use his driveway to monitor the traffic. Mayor Boyle explained that speed limits are set by the State of Ohio, and the city cannot reduce speed limits arbitrarily. As to enforcement, the 7