08/12/1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 12, 1996 Council Member Bergeson pointed out that a conditional use permit has already been approved for St. Joseph's Church for a trail on the north side. Therefore, the question is whether or not the City wishes to amend the existing agreement and release the Church from its responsibility in that regard, based upon the contention that such a trail would be redundant. Council Member Neal asked about the cost of St. Joseph's portion of the trail. Mr. Ahrens explained that the total approximate cost should be $8,000. Mr. Ahrens commented that the City has, in the past, approved other church plans, and the churches were required to construct trail sections as part of the overall trail system. Council Members Kuether and Lyden questioned the need for an additional 1,000 feet of trail which would be used by pedestrians traveling from west to east, from a residential area to St. Joseph's Church. Council Member Bergeson pointed out that, in any event, St. Joseph's has not demonstrated willingness to share in the cost of a trail section at all --either on the south or the north side of Elm Street. Council Member Lyden asked if an option could be to construct a partial trail section. Council Member Kuether reiterated that in the event agreement could not be reached to construct the trail on the north side, the cost of placing it on the south side should be shared. Council Member Bergeson suggested that the Church might not be willing to split the cost of the proposed trail section because it would not derive one-half of the benefit from the trail. He asked if it might be possible to negotiate a different percentage to be paid by the Church. Council Member Kuether clarified that agreement had previously been reached that St. Joseph's would pay for construction of the subject trail section, and presently refuse to do so. Therefore, she felt the appropriate solution was for St. Joseph's to assume responsibility for one-half of the cost of the trail. Ms. Westling requested that Council submit this proposal in written form to the Church building committee. Mr. Ahrens agreed to provide an estimate based upon current construction costs. Council Member Kuether moved to accept a 50% share from St. Joseph's Church for the cost of construction of a trail section on the south side of Elm Street in exchange for no trail on the north side. Council Member Bergeson seconded the motion. Council Member Bergeson clarified that this action constitutes an offer to St. Joseph's Church for consideration. Motion carried unanimously.