05-25-94 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 25, 1994 Morelan noted past comments that the City of Minneapolis assesses for sidewalks. Morelan questioned the ability to prove benefits received with a sidewalk improvement. Pedersen pointed out that Minneapolis neighborhoods are different than Little Canada neighborhoods. Pedersen also pointed out that in Minneapolis property owners are responsible for shoveling sidewalks, and asked if Little Canada residents would accept this same responsibility. It will cost the City money to do this maintenance. Morelan felt that a trail system plan and a pedestrian plan are two completely different plans. A trail system provides for recreational-type activities, while a pedestrian plan is a safety issue to get pedestrians off the roadway. Pedersen pointed out that Little Canada is a suburban community where everyone drives to get to where they want to go. Pedersen felt that Morelan is asking for sidewalks in a community that was not designed for sidewalks, but designed for cars. Morelan stated that there are quite a few people walkinq, and sidewalks would get pedestrians off the roadway. LaValle stated that he had no problem with the concept, but pointed out that there are few sidewalk improvements in the surrounding cities. LaValle pointed out that maintenance of sidewalks would be an expensive proposition. LaValle asked unless the cost of a sidewalk improvement is assessed, how would it be paid for. Pedersen reported that he walks on the shoulder along Edgerton, and has not felt uncomfortable doing so since the shoulders is fairly wide. Scalze pointed out that the most heavily roads are County roads and that the County typically widens a shoulder along their roads. This seems to be the suburban way of addressing pedestrian traffic. Scalze pointed out that the City's policy has been to provide trails away from the roadways. 23