04/09/2005 Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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cars, so we would not be getting anything. At the time when we were ready to go to battle on this was when Olivette and Les Sterman were trying to kill the whole project. In order to be 100% supportive of the project, we had to bury our want of the pedestrian element at that time. We should really start pushing again for some type of pedestrian friendly treatment for that new interchange. Ms. Welsch reported that at a meeting earlier this week, one of the MoDOT people sounded like they may be open to discussing this. It may be a good time to bring this back to engage MoDOT. Mr. Ollendorff suggested that himself and Evelyn Shields-Benford would approach their state counterparts and begin discussions. Also he believes it would be a good idea to approach our state representatives. Ms. Welsch believes that this is the right time because they are putting together the final construction drawings. The Metro representative seemed to indicate that MoDOT was a little more open to it now than they have indicated in the past. She said that Olivette is also really interested in having as well, even thought the crossing would be in University City. She is hoping that if we pursue it now, that we first approach Olivette and then next approach MoDOT together with state representatives or whomever else. The MoDOT representative works with the area engineer from MoDOT and she sent him to this meeting because he does pedestrian and bike work for them. Mayor Adams suggested that Mr. Ollendorff talk to Olivette and then he will see if he can set up a meeting with Marge Schramm, the chairman of MoDOT, this year. Mr. Wagner asked if it would be helpful at all to talk to East West Gateway. Mayor Adams said not to bother even talking to Les, who doesn’t like things U.City. Mr. Wagner agreed that it would be a bad idea. Ms. Welsch pointed out that at this meeting it was mentioned that East West Gateway has a report on biking and trails. She is not sure to what extent and what the details are concerning this, but it is some type of a pedestrian/bike task force that is looking at the whole region. Mr. Wagner suggested that it may be a good idea then to talk to someone over there – just not Les. Ms. Welsch clarified that Mr. Ollendorff should talk to Olivette first then report back to the Council before involving the state representatives. She also mentioned that the Great Rivers Greenway has money that could possibly be used for matching funds on a crossing project. Mr. Wagner asked Ms. Welsch if there was any other way to do this besides a pedestrian overpass. Ms. Welsch noted that the Metro representative said that they could be a better grade down so that people could cross close to it, but when you are talking about crossing close to that interchange, it will be pretty bad. Adjournment Mayor Adams declared the study session adjourned at 11:59 a.m. ________________________________ Leisha Meine Forsythe, City Clerk Page 2