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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />AUGUST 10, 2011 <br />COUNTRY <br />DRIVE <br />TRAIL <br />SPOONER <br />PARK & <br />CANADIAN <br />DAYS <br />REQUEST <br />This next topic of discussion related to a trail improvement along Country <br />Drive. Sanders noted that the initial thought was to stripe an area along <br />Country Drive for pedestrians. However, it has now been suggested that <br />some thought be given to an off- street trail. The City Administrator was <br />not sure whether or not the Country Drive striping had been completed. <br />Sanders suggested that if the striping has not yet been done that it still <br />proceed. Blesener agreed given that it would take some time to develop <br />an off - street trail. Sanders agreed, and pointed out that the feasibility of <br />an off-street trail project would have to be determined and right -of -way <br />issues addressed. <br />McGraw asked if the centerline of Country Drive could be moved over. <br />The Parks Director reported that the City Engineer has indicated that the <br />driving lanes could be narrowed somewhat to provide additional room of <br />on street paths on both sides of the street. This could be done without <br />moving the centerline. Boss expressed concern with that concept given <br />the large trucks which travel Country Drive. McGraw agreed with this <br />concern. Boss reported that a lot of people walk along Country Drive, <br />while there are many that will not given the truck traffic. The Director felt <br />that additional striping will help even though it is not the ultimate <br />situation. The Director felt the striping was an interim solution while the <br />feasibility of an off - street path is explored. 'There was discussion of the <br />recent fatality on Country Drive. <br />The City Administrator noted that people's walking patterns could change <br />if the trail crossing is extended over the railroad tracks. It was noted that <br />currently there are people walking from the mobilehome park up to Little <br />Canada Road. Blesener suggested that some consideration be given to the <br />demographics in the area to determine desired pedestrian patterns. <br />The Director felt that the striping of Country Drive should be completed <br />and that the Commission proceed with a feasibility study for an off - street <br />trail. <br />Janene Connelly, Canadian Days, reported that the Canadian Days <br />Committee is interested in additional flat space in Spooner park to <br />accommodate additional vendors at the celebration. She indicated that <br />the Committee would locate the carnival further back into the park, <br />and if space could be flattened just past the picnic shelter, additional <br />vendors could be accommodated, thus bringing in additional revenue for <br />the celebration. Connelly acknowledged that there may be other options <br />to filling in portions of the park, such as clearing some of the brushy area <br />to the west of the Spooner Park parking lot. Connelly reported that the <br />costs of holding Canadian Days are increasing, and revenues are down. <br />3 <br />