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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />AUGUST 10, 2011 <br />status. Sanders reported that he has had some preliminary meetings with <br />the City of Maplewood on this project. <br />Keis stated that if the County took over the project, it is still likely that <br />they would want Little Canada to contribute dollars toward trail <br />completion. He asked the Commission how high on their priority list this <br />trail was. Sullivan and Fahey indicated that it had a high priority, noting <br />that as a regional trail it will tie surrounding areas together and provide <br />opportunities for both walkers and bikers. The Parks Director noted that if <br />the project receives regional trail status, it will he eligible for more grant <br />funding. Sanders indicated that it would be difficult to determine what <br />Little Canada's cost share would be for this project. Sanders felt that <br />regardless of the status of the entire project, the City should work toward <br />upgrading the trail segments that are already in place, expanding widths <br />from 8 feet to 10 feet. <br />McGraw noted that the biggest cost of the project is likely the pedestrian <br />walkway over Highway 36. Sanders estimated that cost at $1 million. <br />Morelan indicated that it is unlikely the Trout Brook Trail project would <br />proceed if it does not have regional trail status. Sanders agreed, and stated <br />that the project would not be eligible for many grants without the regional <br />trail status. <br />Blesener pointed out that the next step appears to be to try to get the <br />County to take over this trail project in order to get the regional trail <br />designation. Sanders stated that that was correct, and indicated that he <br />would approach the County with this request. McGraw asked if a <br />commitment of any kind was needed from the City before approaching the <br />County. Sanders indicated that the County will want to know that the City <br />is in support of the project, but he did not think it was necessary to have a <br />dollar commitment at this point. Sanders pointed out that the Trout Brook <br />Trail project is a part of the City's Comprehensive Parks Plan. Blesener <br />indicated that the City is not able to take the lead on this project, and again <br />suggested that Sanders contact the County about taking the lead. Blesener <br />felt it important to know if the County will move forward with the project <br />prior to the City repairing any existing trail sections. <br />The City Administrator suggested that the County Public Works <br />Department also be involved given their plans for a bike trail along the <br />Rice Street corridor and the impact there may be on that project if the <br />Trout Brook Trail project moves forward. <br />2 <br />