04-05-2012 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION APRIL 5, 2012 also noted that the sidewalk would be located along the curb from McMenemy Road to the cemetery property due to limited area to work with and some existing grade issues. Fahey asked about the impact that the sidewalk would have on the front yard of the 4 residential properties in question. The Engineer indicated that there is currently about 5 to 6 feet of right -of -way between the street and these property lines. The City would need another 8 to 9 feet to put in the sidewalk improvement. The Engineer noted that the other option would be to push the sidewalk right next to the curbing, minimizing the impact on these front yards. The trade -off is that it would then be difficult to keep the sidewalks free of snow during the winter months. The City Engineer then reported that the City will be obtaining an engineering estimate from Xcel Energy for the cost of burying the power lines from the freeway to McMenemy Road. The cost to obtain the engineering estimate is $5,000, and Xcel has indicated that the estimate would not be available until July. The preliminary estimate is for approximately $417,000, plus or minus 30 %. The estimate to bury the entire length ranges from $1.2 to $1.4 million. Given Xcel would have to relocate 16 power poles as a result of this project, it is hoped that the cost of burying will be reduced by the cost of the relocation. This is an issue of discussion with Xcel Energy at this point. Maida asked about the cost of installing decorative street lights if the power lines are buried. The City Engineer indicated that that may be a possibility, and if power lines are buried, he would raise that issue. The Engineer also noted the need to relocate the two banner poles adjacent to the parking lot at McMenemy Road and Little Canada Road. Sanders asked if tree removal would be necessary at St. John's given the addition of the turn lane. The Engineer replied that tree removal is likely and he has asked a landscape contractor to determine if it will be possible to relocate the impacted trees. These trees are quite large, however, and relocation may not be possible. The Director and the Commission felt the installation of sidewalk along Little Canada Road will be a welcome improvement. Maida asked about planters and other streetscape amenities. The Engineer indicated that the landscaping feature of this project has not yet been planned. Fahey asked about project timing. The City Engineer indicated that it may not be possible to begin construction until 2013 given that Xcel Energy will not have the engineering estimate for burying the power lines done until July and given the need for some easement /right -of -way acquisition. The Engineer pointed out the option of doing the street improvement in 2012 and the sidewalk improvement in 2013. However, given the County will likely require both lifts of asphalt on the street in 3