10-09-2002 Council Workshop Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 9, 2002 The City Administrator noted that in the absence of grant dollars, the City can either bond for the improvements or spread them out over a very long period of time. The Administrator pointed out that acquisitions of property through the eminent domain process will be very expensive. A key issue is do we want to "chunk" the completion deciding to do what we can afford or do we want a major project? If a major project is desired, other funding sources are needed. Fahey noted that the Parks & Recreation Commission has been patient in their efforts to complete the City's trail system. Fahey felt it was time to move forward on this issue and noted that it is a quality of life issue. Fahey felt that bonding was a reasonable means to generate the funding to complete this project. Montour indicated that there are some trail segments that would be relatively easy to complete, and suggested that the City move forward with those at this time. In the meantime, the City can work on putting together the funding necessary to complete the other trail sections. The City Administrator suggested that with regard to the Power Line Trail from Payne Avenue to Desoto Street, a review could be done of the whole area, listing the alternative routes and the pros and cons of each of these routes. Fahey felt that at a minimum the Power Line Trail from Westwinds to Maple Leaf Court should be completed next year. Anderson asked how much money was in the Park Acquisition Fund. The City Administrator reported that there is about $200,000 in that fund and there will be additional dollars generated for the fund as the result of the Sherman project. The Administrator agreed that the cost of trail completion was an appropriate use of this fund. Anderson suggested that the trail segments that do not have regional impact be funded utilizing City dollars. Those segments with regional impact should be packaged as part of a grant application. Scalze noted that the City has to remain aware of the Palmen wetland and the potential of the City acquiring this property. The City Administrator also noted the need to connect the Water Works Trail from its connection to Country Drive up to Little Canada Road. There are some grade issues along County Drive that must be dealt with as well as potentially the need for additional easements. Sanders agreed that the area is tight given the grades, and that this connection was necessary. This would increase usage of this segment by linking to sidewalk on Little Canada Road and would enhance safety.