07-12-00 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 12, 2000 The City Administrator pointed out that there maybe excess fill material from County road improvement projects, and asked if the Council would like these materials used along Vadnais Blvd. near the Pratt project. The consensus was to use any excess fill in this area. The City Administrator indicated that he would have the City Engineer prepare a fill plan for this area. Power Line Trail (Payne Avenue to Pioneer Park) - The Park Consultant pointed out that the land needed for the completion of this trail segment is under private ownership, and the property owners east of Edgerton Street are opposed to dedicating an easement to allow the completion of the trail system. This issue has been discussed in the past at both the Council and Park Commission levels, and the owners of the missing trail segments have expressed strong opposition to completion of this trail link. It was felt that this trail would get a great deal of use given that it will connect the residential area east of Edgerton Street to Pioneer Park. The Consultant pointed out that the grades at Edgerton Street drop off and he suggested that a street underpass may be the best solution for getting pedestrians across Edgerton Street. The City Administrator reported that the County is planning for the reconstruction of Edgerton Street in the not too distant future. When those plans are being developed, the trail crossing issue should be addressed as well. The City Administrator suggested that, in the meantime, the City plan a strategy for purchasing of properties where the uncompleted trail segments exist as they come up for sale. The City could then take the necessary easements and resell the property. The Administrator pointed out that if the City chose to condemn easements, the costs for processing a condemnation can be substantial. Fahey suggested that a more aggressive approach should be considered given the importance of this trail connection. The Council discussed the cost of acquiring the easements necessary to complete that trail connection. The City Administrator suggested that he put a parcel analysis together for the Council's review.