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Session 1699, Minutes June 23, 1997 should take a very strong position for Metrolink in University City. He mentioned that there was an article in the Post Dispatch last week that characterized University City as being opposed to MetroUnk, in terms of its route and construction phases. He hopes that this resolution helps clears up the confusion. Mr. Arlen Jolly, 7550 Delmar, said that nineteen years ago he moved to University City when East-West Gateway was ~irst talking about various rail plans, which included the Spine Une - downtown St. Louis through to Clayton. Due to his interest in transit, he knows property values will appreciate near a modern rail line. That was his basis for moving to this community. He strongly urges City Council to adopt this North of the Park resolution, as it may expedite the decisions of East-West Gateway and whomever else has to make decisions. It has been approximately three years since Proposition M passed, and the layperson does not understand the long procedures that must take place or the studies that must be made. Possibly, especially in light of a ballot asking for more money, these people would be appeased with some concrete plans, in order to feel like they accomplished something with their vote. Mr. Andy Sisk, 5660 Kingsbury, said that he was not a University City resident, but he wished to commend University City on the common sense of adopting this resolution. He thinks that University City is playing a leadership role, as the choices go back and forth between routes. He went on to say that there were several good reasons why it was good for University City to state a position and hold the line. It is more tiscally responsible to build as much as possible; operationally efficient - zipping right to Forest Park, instead of zigzagging around; it is environmentally compatible; positive impact on the City's businesses, and urban policy, in which University City has proven its leadership ability - making neighborhoods and community work. The northern route would work well for everyday people with jobs, versus the sporadic use for people utilizing it for entertainment or educational purposes. Mrs. Thompson asked Mr. Edwards about the number of signatures his organization, Neighbors for MetroUnk, received. She was very surprised so many residents were supportive of MetroUnk now, when many years ago when MetroLink was discussed, a large number of citizens were very much opposed to it. She said that she was the only Councilmember that agreed with and supported MetroLink coming to University City back then. Mr. Edwards responded that he believed that the people were not aware of the need of mass transit back then as they are now. The roads were not as crowded as they are today. There are probably many factors in this change of heart. He believes since MetroLink has been built and used, the va~ue of it as a good form of transportation has increased dramatically, Mrs. Thompson asked if these people were not afraid of losing their homes. Mr. Edwards explained to Mrs. Thompson that this route would not take any homes. Mr. Schoomer moved approval of the resolution. Mrs. Thompson seconded the motion. Mr. Wagner wanted to recognize and commend the Neighbors for MetroUnk. This group had invested a lot of hard work gathering and disseminating clear opinion data. One added provision that he was happy to see, was number seven, in the resolution dealing with pedestrian overpasses and/or underpasses at existing pedestrian crossing points. He believes this is a good addition to the Council's previous statements. The motion to approve the resolution carried unanimously. Mayor Adams commented that this resolution is just one more step and we would have to wait and see where it would go. PROCI AMATION - NATIONAL BELL RINGING DAY -JULY 4, 1997: Mayor Adams declared Friday, July 4th, 1997 as National Bell Ringing Day, which celebrates the tolling of the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa., at 2:00 p.m., which proclaims the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mayor Adams encouraged all citizens, business owners and community leaders to participate by ringing bells at 2:00 p.m. or to fly the American Flag in observance of this day.