08-27-2003 Council Workshop Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 27, 2003 Glaser suggested that if the Edgerton Street shoulders are utilized for an on-street trail, the City should look at having a speed bump or a rumble strip separating the driving lane from the shoulder as an added safety precaution. Glaser felt that the City should look for a creative way to make an on-street trail safer. Broten suggested pursuing the off-street trail on Edgerton Street. The Parks &Rec Director pointed out that the ditches along Edgerton would have to be piped and filled in. Blesener stated that if the off-street trail is done, the need for a trail through the Heinel property goes away. Anderson suggested that if the trail is on street, the City should consider the restriping of Edgerton Street to make the west shoulder wider. The Parks &Rec Director indicated that the County would have to be approached to determine if this is feasible. Montour pointed out that the portion of Edgerton Street in St. Paul is restriped to provide for an on- streetpath on one side of the street. Fahey suggested that perhaps the best solution would be to provide for an off-street path along Edgerton Street at this time. Glaser pointed out that if an on-street path is the short-term solution and in five years it does not look like the Heinel property is going to develop, there is nothing precluding the City from putting in the off-street path at that time. Blesener asked if it is the recommendation of the Parks & Recreation Commission that for the short-term the City proceed with an on-street path along Edgerton Street and work with the County to have the street restriped. Glaser indicated that that was her position, but suggested that the matter be brought to the full Commission for consideration. Glaser felt that if an on-street shoulder is decided upon as a short-term solution, every effort should be made to make it as safe as possible. Fahey suggested that a decision should be made since the City has to make a decision on the amount of franchise fees to collect. Blesener suggested that the City collect the level of fees previously discussed, and pointed out that trail improvement priorities can be adjusted accordingly. Fahey suggested that the City Engineer and the County work on the issue of restriping of Edgerton Street to provide for an on-street path and that a cost estimate be developed for that work. Fahey also suggested that actual cost estimates be put together for the off-street path along Edgerton Street, and suggested that local charities could be approached for funding for this improvement.