04-09-2003 Council Workshop Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRiL 9, 2003 liahey asked how much funding is allocated in the 2003 Budget for trail improvements. The City Administrator reported that no dollars were budgeted in 2003, $50,000 is budgeted in 2004, and $812,500 is budgeted in 2005. The focus for 2003 was acquisition issues for the tougher trail segments. Glaser also pointed out that heavy emphasis is on Rondeau Park during 2003. Anderson pointed out that there are trails planned within Rondeau Parl<. The Parl<s & Rec Director agreed that the 2003 focus was to address trail easement issues, and noted that typically Park Land Acquisition funds have been used for easement acquisition. Glaser began a review of the trail priority list, noting that the first priority is the Power Line Trail. This trail segment extends about 1,000 feet on either side of LaBore Road. The trail would also have regional significance as it would connect with Maplewood's trail system. The City Administrator noted that this trail completion has been included in the T- 21 Grant application, and the regional aspect should have a positive impact for the grant. The City should know by October if this grant will be funded. The City has another grant application pending in addition to the T-21 Grant, and fruiding decisions for this grant should be made by September. Sackett suggested that it might make sense to proceed with the second trail priority at this time, that is the Jackson Street trail connection. This trail segment consists of about 800 feet and would tie in the Water Works trail to Rondeau Park. There are no land acquisition issues that need to be addressed. Given that the trail would run across some front yards, the consensus was that it should be concrete rather than bituminous. I3owever, a neighborhood meeting would be scheduled to discuss the trail improvement with the impacted property owners. The City Administrator indicated that this trail improvement could be priced as a change order to the 2003 Improvement Projects or bid as an alternate with the Market Place Drive amenities project. Blesener suggested that the Country Drive trail from the Water Works trail to Little Canada Road be bid at the same time. Sackett pointed out that this may be an expensive section of trail given grade and easement issues. The City Administrator suggested that there may be the need for retaining walls as well. It was agreed, however, that completion of this trail segment would be a significant addition to the City's trait system.