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11 Mr. Tolbert said he will provide answers to Mr. Towler’s questions prior to the second reading of the ordinance. Dr. Brown moved the ordinance, contingent on the issues raised being addressed prior to the second reading, Mr. Huja seconded the motion, and the ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND DISCONTINUING A PORTION OF PALATINE AVENUE (UNIMPROVED)” was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. RESOLUTION : PERMANENT VEHICULAR CROSSING OF DOWNTOWN MALL TH AT 4 STREET Mr. Tolbert explained that Council indicated it was in favor of making the mall crossing permanent in the fall of 2007, but referred the issue to the Planning Commission to determine if it was still consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; whether the crossing ththth should be at 4 or 5 Street; whether the traffic flow should be reversed; and whether 4 Street from Water to Garrett should be made two-way. He said the Planning Commission and Council held a joint public hearing and the Planning Commission held a work session to discuss the crossing. The Planning Commission recommended the following: that the additional mall crossing be at 4th Street, East; that the directional flow remain unchanged; that the section of 4th Street between Water and Garrett Street be re-opened as two-way and that new signage be placed there to insure safety and that in twelve months Council evaluate to determine if its changing to two-way has resulted in significant increase in cut-through traffic through the adjacent neighborhood and on the Mall; that the Council be urged to reconsider its decision to close the 4th Street crossing during Pavilion events; that increased efforts by law enforcement should be made to reduce stopping, parking and standing in the crossing and that the redesign should include spaces for drop-off; that the final design come back to the Commission for comment; elimination of the two-hour parking spaces nearest the mall – consider eliminating all to avoid congestion – replace with a drop off area if recommended by the pending parking study; include better signage to direct traffic to the alley perpendicular to 4th and 5th Streets when 4th Street is closed at the mall; and provide better design, striping, and signals at crossing to alert pedestrians and vehicles to the crossing. Mr. Tolbert said that the original study of the mall crossing said that the cost could be as much as $1 million, but that included undergrounding of utilities and landscaping. He said the recommendation at this time is to just do bricking as part of the mall improvements which will cost much less. th Mr. Taliaferro noted that the recommendation to eliminate parking on 4 Street is not included in the resolution. Mr. Tolbert said that is part of the parking study being done, and that decision is recommended to be delayed until the study is complete. Mr. Taliaferro said he has some concerns about removing parking, and does not think it is a good idea. Mr. Tolbert said staff will come back to Council with a concept for parking. Mr. Huja said he supports the mall crossing. He said it is needed and working well. He said the design is crucial. He said he has the same concerns about removing parking. Responding to a question from Mr. Huja, Mr. Tolbert said that when the crossing was first opened, it was done so on the condition that it be closed during Pavilion events. He said the police support it being closed during major events. Responding to a question from Mr. Norris, Mr. Tolbert said there was a lot of th discussion by the Planning Commission about returning 4 Street between Water and Garrett to two-way traffic. He said the fact that it is narrow and that there are stop signs on both sides of the underpass indicated to the Planning Commission that it would inconvenient enough to not be used as a major cut-through. He noted, however, that this