08-22-2012 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 22, 2012 Centerville /Road /County Road D Phase 1 (Spooner Park to Pioneer Park) — trail improvements — estimated cost $75,000. Sanders noted that this project has been on the list for a long time having been repeatedly delayed waiting for the County's reconstruction of Centerville Road. Sanders noted that there are right -of -way issues along Centerville Road relative to placement of the proposed trail. While there is adequate right - of -way in place, the road surface lies toward the eastern edge of the right - of -way, leaving little room for the trail. Therefore, to proceed with the trail improvement on the east side of the street prior to Centerville Road being reconstructed would result in the need to acquire additional right -of- way. Sanders noted that there are approximately six properties between Eli Road and Pioneer Park from which easements would be necessary. Sanders estimated that easements ranging from 10 to 15 feet wide would he needed. Keis asked why this project ranked so high on the list. The Parks & Rec Director noted that there is a lot of foot traffic on Centerville Road from Spooner Park to Pioneer Park. The Director stated that this is not only a connection issue, but also a safety issue. He noted that even though there is a trail connection between the two parks on Desoto Street and Eli Road, the people using the Spooner Park upper shelter tend to utilize Centerville Road to get to Pioneer Park. The Director also noted that completion of this trail would provide a safer means for residents from the apartment buildings on LaBore Road to get to Little Canada Road. Keis asked about easement acquisition, both the likelihood of property owners granting the easements as well as the cost. The Administrator indicated that he has not discussed this with the impacted property owners for quite some time, and noted that some of the property ownerships have changed. Blesener indicated that the project may be cost prohibitive for the benefit, noting that there is already a trail connection between the two parks on Desoto Street and Eli road. Montour suggested an option may be to partner with Vadnais Heights to go to the County and request the improvement of Centerville Road be moved up in their schedule. There was discussion about the potential of the County proceeding with a full reconstruction of Centerville Road versus a mill and overlay. The City Administrator noted that Centerville Road is a County road, but not a State -Aid Highway. Therefore, it is not eligible for gas tax dollars. It was noted that the County may not proceed with this road improvement for 2