City Council Minutes 2014 10 28 SP

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City Council Special Meeting Minutes October 28, 2014 Page 7 of 10 Chris Scholtes, 2272 Wynona Court, Louisville, CO agreed with the comments voiced by other Steel Ranch residents relative to the importance of the North Underpass. He noted there are major concerns on how to get out of the neighborhood safely. He stated for two years he has heard about the proposed underpass and asked if it takes only three to six months to design an underpass, what has been done for the last two years and why has this project been delayed. Alex Bradley, 1585 Caledonia Circle, Louisville, CO thanked City Manager Fleming for responding to citizens' emails relative to the North Underpass. She inquired whether the issue is only one underpass can be done at one time. She asked whether the South Street Underpass will impact the North Underpass or whether they will be so far apart it will not create a problem. She asked the Council to communicate to the Steel Ranch residents what is happening on the North Underpass as soon as possible. She felt there are ways to get the information out to residents and suggested contacting HOA's and using FaceBook. She felt there is a huge disconnect in communication. Bjorn Thorsiand stated he is a Steel Ranch resident. He asked how the City got to this place. He noted Steel Ranch subdivision was built out two years ago; the underpass was planned four years ago and is yet to be built. He stated if consultants were not able to come up with a better design, the City should find better consultants. He noted Steel Ranch residents have contributed funds for the underpass. He understood the queue process, but felt more pressure should be put on BNSF and a more competent consultant should be hired. Rob Lathop, 1608 Johnson Street, Louisville, CO stated he is member of the Louisville Revitalization Commission (LRC) since 2004. He noted they started working on the South Street Underpass in 2007. He understood the frustrations of the Steel Ranch residents and their expectations for an underpass. He stated the problem lies in inability to work with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. No matter how much pressure is put upon them, they will not provide a timeline for projects. He stated it has taken the LRC seven years for the South Street Underpass project to come this far. He stressed the South Street Underpass is crucial for economic development; for connecting the east side of the tracks to the west side; for providing the ability for thousands of people who visit the ball fields to come to the downtown area. He stated this opportunity cannot be allowed to slip by. Mayor Muckle closed the public hearing for the 28th and noted the public hearing will be continued at the Monday, November 3rd City Council meeting. He requested Council comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Loo addressed Mr. Lathrop's statements and agreed it is hard to imagine a more powerful agency than the railroad. She noted a powerful company like