The two major considerations on whether to build the roundabout are the impact on public safety and the project cost. We believe that the traffic engineering shows that a roundabout at Five Points will enhance the safety of the intersection for all users, including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. What we do not know is how the construction of a roundabout would impact our city budget. Submitting the grant application will answer that question.

Mr. Stephens reiterated that this resolution is only to request potential funding. It is not to approve the construction of a roundabout, which remains undecided at this time.

Thereupon, it was moved by Mr. Stephens and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the resolution be passed.

Mayor Duncan shared that Council has received more positive comments about the roundabout than any other city project since he’s been on Council. The three largest concerns so far, besides the cost of the project, are north access from Oakwood Avenue, pedestrian safety, and two lanes converting to one lane in the second leg of the roundabout moving north on Far Hills Avenue. The resolution is being presented this evening because the deadline to apply for grant funding is at the end of August. The funding awards will likely not be announced for possibly 4-6 months.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said resolution was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

A copy of the resolution, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that last year, Insomnia Cookies applied for a Special Use permit to allow late-night hours beyond what is normally allowed in the Neighborhood Business zoning district. After hearings before the Planning Commission and Council, Council approved extended hours as follows:

• RETAIL operations may be open until 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and
• DELIVERY operations were approved until 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.

At the time, Council was concerned about the potential for noise and other late-night disturbances, but Insomnia Cookies was new to the neighborhood and these concerns were speculative. For that reason, Council granted a conditional approval of the Special Use permit on a 12-month trial basis, and agreed to reevaluate the situation in August of 2023.

Vice Mayor Byington reported that after a year of operation, city staff has received zero complaints about the extended hours at Insomnia Cookies. They appear to be making an effort to be a good neighbor and they happen to sell excellent cookies. The resolution being introduced will eliminate the conditional “trial basis” part of their Special Use permit, converting it to a regular permit.

Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington and seconded by Mr. Stephens that the resolution be passed.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded: