02-28-1996 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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hosting an Arbor Day celebration. He felt, as an example, a 4th grade class from St. John's and Little Canada Elementary could come up with a theme and date for the celebration. Remerowski thought this was an excellent idea. Johnson suggested that before this is planned, the teachers should be contacted and given the idea to see how well this would fit into the planned curriculum. Sanders felt it was a good concept and worth an approach to the teachers. Ables suggested using April 26th for the celebration, stating that this date is a Friday and allowed the involvement of the schools. Johnson stated that a Friday celebration may be difficult for Park and Recreation Commission members to attend. Remerowski felt it would be pertinent to involve children because the celebration would be instilling a sense of civic involvement and a need for ecological preservation in the minds of children, who hold the future for our society. Sanders concurred, stating a additional volunteer session could be held the Saturday after, in which the Park and Recreation Commission could plant some trees. Ables made a motion to return the Minnesota Arbor Month Partnership application requesting to host a regional Arbor Day ceremony, having Kathy Glanzer, Assistant City Administrator, contact the schools to determine their interest level and if the interest does not exist, using the Saturday after Arbor Day to host a smaller celebration. Motion seconded by Remerowski. Motion carried 5 - 0. COMPLETION OF Johnson stated that as a result of the workshop meeting TRAIL SYSTEM with the City Council, it was mandated that the Park and ummillip Recreation Commission discuss and recommend a plan for the trail system. Sanders submitted an updated trail plan to the Commission, detailing existing trailways, and possibilities for future trailways. Also submitted was an idea for a pedestrian crossing over the freeway at either Demont or South Owasso to tie in both sides of the City. Remerowski asked if grant money was available to install a pedestrian walkway over the freeway. Sanders replied there is a possibility it would be eligible as an ISTEA funded project through MNDOT. Sanders shared information about a similar project initiated by the City of Mounds View, stating that the bridge cost was approximately $800,000 with MNDOT funds being 80% of that amount, and the City of Mounds View needed to supply the other 20 %. Remerowski felt the Parks and Recreation Commission should explore the possibility of grant funding, and obtain information on what the state participation is versus city participation to see if it is feasible. The City Administrator pointed out that if major trail connections are a component then feasibility should be enhanced. He stated his understanding of the ISTEA program is that there is a heavy administration burden and that small 4 Page 87