07-23-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 23, 2003 Anderson pointed out that the on-street trail around Gervais Lake is a given, but should not be used as the City's standard since that was all that could be obtained in that area. Blesener agreed that the use of on-street shoulders along Edgerton would be a short-term solution to the Power Line Trail, and extending the trail through the Heinel property under the power lines was the long-term solution. The Council reviewed the trail priority list and cost estimate submitted by the City staff. Blesener asked how much funding was needed to be generated from the franchise fee. The City Administrator indicated that approximately $125,000 was needed for each of 2004 and 2005 for the General Fund, an additional $19,000 maybe needed as the City's contribution toward fire relief pension benefits, and additional dollars for trail improvements depending on the extent of improvements the Council wishes to undertake. The Administrator reported that the Park Consultant has informed him that T-21 grant monies do not appear likely for the City until 2007 or 2008. Anderson asked if the City was obligated to proceed with the Vadnais Blvd. trail. The Administrator did not believe the City was obligated, but noted that some filling of the trail area has been done. Blesener pointed out that the City approved three trail projects for this year, those being Country Drive, Jackson Street, and the Westwind Powerline Trail. Blesener asked how these improvements were being financed. The City Administrator indicated that about $100,000 in trail improvements were programmed for this year. However, given the City's receipt of a trail grant for the trail from Owasso Blvd. to Rice Street, the City must come up with $100,000 in matching funds and these funds were reprioritized. The City Administrator suggested that the City proceed with all trail improvements listed on the priority list that are above the gray line. Fahey asked if the City would bond for these improvements. The Administrator stated that bonding could occur next year. However, he noted that many of these trails will require easement acquisition and some of these easements maybe very difficult to obtain. Anderson pointed out that the trail projects below the gray line have no acquisition issues. However, these are the lowest priority trails at this time. Blesener pointed out that if the City allocates $50,000 to $60,000 from franchise fees for trail improvements, the City will need to collect 20