2004-09-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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54 right of access or easement. He said the contributory value of the property has been reduced to $6,000 per lot. Mr. Brown said the issue of whether to charge frequently comes up, and he presented Council with a listing of street closings over the last two years. He said that the property owners will have no additional development rights if this street is closed. Mr. Schilling said he visited the property today, and said pedestrians have to walk a significant distance if they are not able to cut through via this street. He said he thinks it is inappropriate to close the street with or without a charge. He said the policy is not to close if the closing interferes with the network, and he feels this would not be good public policy. Ms. Hamilton said she agrees with Mr. Schilling. She said she has received a number of calls and it is the long-time desire of the neighborhood to keep this street open for pedestrian access. She noted that staff recommended that if the easement is maintained then the street should not be closed. Mr. Lynch agreed, and said the person requesting the closing can still maintain the alley which appeared to be part of the reason for wanting it closed. Mr. Greg Atkins, the property owner who requested the street closing, said he would continue to let pedestrians use the street, but said he does not see people use it much. He said Council needs to be consistent in what they are doing, referring to another alley that was recently closed. Ms. Hamilton agreed there has been some inconsistency and said Council needs to look at its policy on street closings. She said she has heard complaints about other street closings. Mr. Brown said the motion on the table is to authorize the street closing for over $50,000, and said if Council believes the street should not be closed, then a substitute motion should be offered. Mr. Schilling offered a substitute motion to deny the street closing, and Mr. Lynch seconded the motion. Mr. Schilling said he too is troubled by the lack of consistency, and agreed with Mr. Atkins. Council agreed to accept the substitute motion by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. Noes: None. Absent: Mr. Caravati. The closing of Castalia Street was denied by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. Noes: None. Absent: Mr. Caravati. ORDINANCE: MOPED LICENSING Ms. Kelley said that the City has received a significant number of complaints about noise, safety, and rambunctious behavior associated with mopeds and other motor scooters. She said a broad range of regulations is allowed by the state. Ms. Kelley said staff has recommended that the regulations include registration, helmets, and limiting the number of people allowed on the mopeds depending upon the type of seat. Mr. Lynch said these regulations do not get into the issue of noise, and asked if it is illegal to remove the muffler from mopeds. Ms. Kelley said she does not know. Mr. Lynch asked if a 30 mph speed limit can be enforced on mopeds, noting that people take the mufflers off in order to go faster. Ms. Kelley said mopeds have to comply with existing speed limits.