08/12/1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

AGENDA ITEM 5F STAFF ORIGINATOR: David Ahrens, City Engineer/Public Works Director DATE: August 9, 1996 TOPIC: St. Joseph Trail INTRODUCTION: On November 27, 1995, Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for St. Joseph's church that, in part, included the construction of a trail along the north side of Elm Street. This trail will match the trail constructed by the Willow Ponds Development and provide a continuous trail from Sunset Road to Second Avenue on the north side of Elm Street. in March 1996, the City Council approved plans for the construction of Centennial Middle School that includes the construction of a trail along the south side of Elm Street from Lake Drive to Sunrise Drive. Between the two projects mentioned, there will be trails on both sides of Elm Street from Sunrise Drive and Second Avenue (refer to attached plan). Staff asked St. Joseph church officials to consider revising there plans and construct a trail on the south side of Elm Street rather than on the north side of Elm Street. This suggestion was made to create one trail crossing at Sunrise Drive and Elm Street and to eliminate some duplication in trail work. Initially, staff was under the impression that this suggestion was received favorably as it could save on trail construction costs if the work was shared between the church and school district. It was later found that St. Joseph church officials did not want to construct a trail on the south side of Elm Street as it was believed that it would not benefit the church. Also, it was learned that there was some discussion that the trail on the north side of Elm Street should not be required to be constructed si school district is constructing a trail on the south side of Elm Street. Council is being asked whether it wants to revise its original motion requiring the construction of a trail on the north side of Elm Street by St. Joseph's Church. DISCUSSION: Staff feels that the two trails are justified as they both serve a distinct purpose. The trail on the north side of Elm Street serves the church by allowing residents in the Willow Ponds project gain access to the church while the trail on the south side of EIm Street serves the school district pedestrian needs and the City's recreational/transportation needs.