09-24-2003 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission September 4, 2003 TRAIL PROJECTS SININSOMS JCKTHORN of traffic on Edgerton Street. The Commission discussed the following options: • Following the power line easement to Vanderbie Street, running the trail down Vanderbie to the park. This option would require an easement from the Heinels. • From the power line easement, running the trail off - street down Payne to LaBore Road, and then over to the park. This option would require easements from most of the property owners involved. • Following the power line easement to Edgerton Street, then north on- street to County Road D, then west to Desoto Street, and then south to the park. The Commission felt that this option also posed a safety hazard due to the high volume of traffic on Edgerton and County Road D. It was also felt that pedestrians and bicyclists would travel the most direct on- street route to the park before they would travel north and then back south to the park. The Commission then discussed potential safety improvements to Edgerton Street should an on- street path be chosen. Improvements discussed included curbing differences or height differences to deter traffic, re- striping to allow a larger pedestrian lane, and additional bituminous to make the pedestrian lane larger. In conclusion, the Commission felt that all of the safety options that were discussed in putting the trail on- street would be inadequate in protecting pedestrians and bikers, and therefore, any connection to Edgerton Street should not be completed until the Heinel property is acquired. The Commission felt that ultimately, the trail should follow the power lines through the IIeinel property over to the park. Sackett Glaser suggested that until that occurs, it would be better to allow the residents to choose their route rather than having the city direct them to an unsafe route by completing the power line trail to Edgerton. Gray recommended that the city does not pursue a trail connection from the power line easement over to Pioneer Park at this ante if the option is to run the trail along Edgerton Street because of the safety concerns with an on- street trail. Motion seconded by Larson. Motion carried 7— 0. The Commission decided to move Item #4 (Power Line Trail) down the list of trail project priorities due to the previous discussion. They decided to move Item #7 (Middle School Trail) up the list of priorities. Also, they wanted the difference ($88,500) put in reserves in case the Heine) property becomes available. Sanders stated that there is one trail link missing from the list of projects...the new memorial trail north of the fire station. He felt this trail will be approximately 800 feet and would cost $25,000. The Commission wanted this trail added to the list of trail projects for current funding. Sackett Glaser stated that some residents have asked her if the city plan on doing some buckthorn control. Sanders suggested contacting the correctional facility to have them work on the control on city property. The Director stated that an educational article was placed into the Pag: 3 :f3