02-08-1995 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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from property owners in the area posing six questions. Schact suggested that he go through those questions and respond to each. The first asks who is recommending the project. Schact reported that when the County proposes a maintenance project, it proposes to do that project at the existing width, or a minimum of 24 feet should the road be less than that width. As part of those maintenance projects, the County contacts the affected City to see if there is interest in shoulder paving. If so, the City would have to pay 75% of the cost of the shoulder paving. In this instance that would amount to $20,000 for Little Canada and $10,000 for Maplewood. If the road were to be turned back to the City, the County would pay 100% of the cost of the shoulder paving. Schact reported that Keller Parkway from County Road C south to Arcade is proposed to be turned back to Maplewood. As part of a turn -back agreement, the County would pay the shoulder paving costs for this portion of the road. A resident asked who is pushing the project. Schact reported that there are benefits both to the cities and the County in paving the shoulders. The cities benefit in that the shoulders address a pedestrian safety concern. The County benefits because the shoulders eliminate the maintenance problem of gravel shoulders as well as support the pavement of the main driving lanes. The City Administrator reported that the City of Little Canada is in favor of evaluating the shoulder option. The Administrator reported that in 1988 the City did a community survey. In that survey a question was asked about a trail around Gervais Lake. 87% supported improvement of a trail, and 63% supported the trail even if it meant an increase in property taxes. A resident asked if the purpose of the paved shoulder was to create a walking path. The Administrator replied that from Little Canada's perspective, the paved shoulder could be used for walking and biking. A resident asked about having a path which is separated from the roadway. The resident was concerned about drivers using the paved shoulder to go around cars, and felt the paved shoulder would not improve safety. Another resident felt with paved shoulders there would be additional pedestrian traffic, and since the road would be wider, traffic speeds would increase. This resident did not believe the situation would be safer. A resident felt there was a large distinction between paved shoulders and a trail, and stated that what is being proposed did not sound like a trail. 4 Page 59