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<br /> <br /> consistent with the rest of the Fourth Street Corridor. Councilor Johns moved to suspend rules for second <br /> reading, second by Councilor Densch. The motion carried. Councilor Van De Bogart moved to enact, <br /> second by Councilor De Forest. The motion carried. File 7791 Ordinance 3437 <br /> d. Proposed Ordinance to Remove Parking on North Street and Middle Street between Fourth Street and <br /> Sixth Street was given first reading. It was noted that Traffic Review Committee recommended approval 5- <br /> 0. Mr. Botts said that this request was made by Engineering staff based on the proposed temporary <br /> closure of Fourth Street and would allow better access for buses and vehicles. Councilor De Forest moved <br /> to lay over until after discussion of item 10.a., second by Councilor Johns. The motion carried. File 7791 <br /> 7. APPOINTMENTS - none <br /> <br /> 8. COUNCILOR ACTIVITIES AND UPCOMING EVENTS <br /> a. Councilor Newnham remembered Fire Chief Christiansen and said he was a tireless supporter of the <br /> community and a model citizen and public servant. He congratulated the Green Bay Packers on their <br /> Super Bowl win, and he thanked the Department of Public Works for their response to last week's blizzard. <br /> b. Councilor Johns expressed condolences to the Christiansen family. She also gave kudos to the <br /> Department of Public Works on their response to the blizzard and congratulated the Green Bay Packers for <br /> their win. <br /> c. Councilor De Forest sent condolences to the Christiansen family and said Chief Christiansen was a great <br /> model for the rest of us. She echoed the praise for the Department of Public Works employees, and she <br /> reminded people to buy tickets for the Beloit International Film Festival. She noted that the City of Beloit <br /> and the Beloit Property Owners group are collaborating to hold a workshop at the Beloit Public Library on <br /> Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those interested in attending can contact Tom Clippert at the City for more <br /> information. <br /> d. Councilor Densch noted the passing of Herb Christiansen and said he was a tireless advocate for Beloit. <br /> He congratulated the Department of Public Works on the great job they did, and he reminded everyone that <br /> the Beloit International Film festival was still looking for volunteers. <br /> e. Councilor Van De Bogart said that "Christie" was a positive force and influence and will be missed. He also <br /> said that he participated in the Martin Luther King celebration at Beloit College, and he praised President <br /> Leavy's son Anthony Leavy on top finishes at the Wisconsin Badger Track Classic. <br /> f. President Leavy gave condolences to the Christiansen family. He congratulated the Department of Public <br /> Works staff and noted that it was great to see neighbors helping other neighbors deal with the snow. <br /> 9. CITY MANAGER'S PRESENTATION <br /> a. The City Manager's Annual Report to the Community was moved to the March 7, 2011 meeting. <br /> 10. REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND CITY OFFICERS <br /> a. Resolution for the Closure of Fourth Street between Middle Street and North Street on school days <br /> between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. It was noted that Traffic Review Committee recommended approval 5-0. Mr. <br /> Botts said that the School District requested this closure because of concerns about the amount of traffic in <br /> front of the high school. He said that after much discussion, a compromise was reached to temporarily <br /> close this section of Fourth Street during the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mr. Botts said that he felt this was <br /> a reasonable compromise for safety and traffic concerns. Councilor Johns moved to adopt, second by <br /> Councilor Densch. Councilor De Forest asked if there had been a significant increase in traffic accidents <br /> since the failed 1994 referendum to close Fourth Street and if more traffic on Sixth Street would be a safety <br /> concern for the Burdge elementary students. She emphasized that the public did not want Fourth Street <br /> closed, and she felt that other options should be considered. Police Chief Jacobs stated that traffic <br /> accidents had been fairly consistent over the years. He stated that there were seven accidents in 2009 and <br /> four in 2010. Councilor Johns said that she was happy that this was being discussed but does not see how <br /> this will fix the problem. She also expressed concern with shifting the traffic onto Sixth Street. She <br /> expressed support for a permanent solution to the traffic issues. Councilor Newnham supported the <br /> previous comments from Councilors De Forest and Johns. He also had concerns with additional traffic on <br /> Sixth, Middle, and North Streets and Liberty Avenue. He said that the Council should look for a permanent <br /> solution and a master plan for the area. He requested to postpone action until more input is given and <br /> public hearings are held. Councilor Densch asked about the nature of the accidents in the area and <br /> expressed concern with the potential traffic shift to Sixth Street. Chief Jacobs noted that at least half of the <br /> reported accidents took place in the school's parking lots. Councilor Van De Bogart said the 1994 <br /> referendum on this matter was defeated soundly almost 2-1, and he said that the proposal creates more <br /> Page 3 of 4 <br />