07-23-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 23, 2003 The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Anderson. Ayes (5) Fahey, Anderson, Montour, LaValle, Blesener. Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. Fahey suggested that, in the meantime, staff continue to work with Xcel Energy to try to come to a resolution of these issues. If they cannot be resolved, the City will move forward to amend its ordinances without reopening the franchise agreement. With regard to the amount of franchise fee that the City is interested in collecting, Council discussed the issue of trail improvements. The first trail improvement discussed was that of the route of the Power Line Trail. The City Administrator reported that staff has reviewed the various route options for this trail as well as the financial impacts of each. He noted that during the last discussion of this trail, the consensus was to utilize Edgerton Street on a temporary basis considering an off-street trail along Edgerton due to safety concerns. This would be quite costly given the substantial grade differences as well as the need for storm sewer to drain the area. Also, if Edgerton is reconstructed, that reconstruction might jeopardize the off-street trail. The Administrator indicated that running the Power Line Trail through the Heinel property was still the best route, but would be costly if done before the Heinel's are ready to develop their property. The Administrator indicated that a trail through the Heinel property that is fenced and gated may address their concerns, however, it is still costly. Fahey felt that the best temporary solution would be to utilize the paved shoulders of Edgerton Street as a temporary trail system. He noted that the paved shoulders on Keller Parkway have less width and are working well as part of the City's trail system. Fahey suggested that there was adequate width on Allen Avenue utilize this street as the trail connection fi•om Edgerton Street to Pioneer Park. Fahey felt that this was a good interim solution as the Power Line Trail connection until such time as there is clarity on the issues of development of the Heinel property and reconstruction of Edgerton Street. LaValle agreed and pointed out that when the Heinel property develops, the developer would likely want input on the trail location. Blesener pointed out that at the last workshop meeting that was held on this issue, the City told the Heinel's that the matter was settled until the property is developed. Blesener felt that purchasing a corridor for a trail and then fencing that corridor would interfere with the Heinel's farming operation. 18