Council approves temporary millings on city lot to ease Moller Elementary drop-off congestion

Councilmember (District 7) told the council that the city had acquired a parcel across from Moller Elementary and proposed temporarily surfacing it with asphalt millings to provide additional drop-off capacity during school hours. Members described frequent curb and sidewalk parking and traffic backups in the Mines Road area and said the lot could help relieve immediate congestion while staff and stakeholders work on a longer-term site plan.

Council voted to allow the councilmember to pursue placement of millings using District 7 priority funds and to continue community outreach and planning for the site's future use. Members discussed the possibility of later development or sale of the parcel but emphasized the immediate safety and congestion relief value.

Why it matters: Drop-off congestion at schools can create safety hazards for children and drivers; the temporary effort is intended to reduce sidewalk parking and dangerous conditions while a long-term plan is developed.

What happens next: The district councilmember will lead community meetings and staff will return with detailed recommendations and any budget or permitting steps needed to finish the temporary surface work.