09-27-2021 CC (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 its mature trees. She stated she was not anti-progress, but rather was pro-history and encouraged the City to consider keeping the trees along Spring Lake Road. She asked that the Council consider breaking this roadway improvement project into three separate areas. Gretchen Crowder, 3001 Bronson Drive, explained she lives at the corner of Spring Lake Road and Bronson Drive. She noted she has lived in her home for over 40 years. She stated she supported her neighbor who just spoke. She encouraged the City to save the trees and not pursue a sidewalk or trail along Spring Lake Road. Richard Oehlenschlager, 7545 Spring Lake Road, stated he has been a resident of Mounds View since 1978. He explained he believed the trail and sidewalk was a catastrophe that should not be pursued by the City. He indicated the trail and sidewalk were not wanted. He discussed how the trees benefited the community and encouraged the City to not move forward with the trail on Spring Lake Road. Gerald Geisinger, 7555 Spring Lake Road, reported he loved his street the way it was. He encouraged the Council to keep the roadway as is with more greenspace that protects the trees. He indicated he was most against the trail because this would lower the value of his property. Marvin Eshelman, 7465 Spring Lake Road, asked if there was a plan on the table that does not include shifting the road for the trail, just leaving the road as is. He stated this would be his preference. He feared that the new plans were a done deal and encouraged the Council to hear the comments and concerns from the residents. Michelle Dreier, 7830 Spring Lake Road, reported she did not speak at the last meeting due to time constraints. She also wanted to take an active role in listening to the plan as amended. She explained at the August 23, 2021 City Council meeting she asked about the plan and the construction in front of her house. She indicated she did not understand how the road, boulevard and trail would fit. Also at this meeting, her husband raised concerns about how their driveway would be impacted. She stated she was concerned with the fact people traveling on the trail from the north side would not be able to easily see cars backing out of their driveway and vice versa. She believed the placement of the trail was creating a double blind situation. She discussed a telephone pole and shrubbery that further screened views from her property. She commented on how the road would have to be moved to the east and how the new trail and boulevard would affect her property. She explained she has been encouraged by the conversations that have been held since the August 23 meeting, but still had concerns with the fact the 60% plan may move forward as is. She feared public safety would be at risk if the trail were pursued as proposed by the City. Mayor Mueller explained this project had been proposed to be completed in two areas, J and K. She reported to her knowledge, there has been no intent to break off a small portion of Spring Lake Road for a separate project. She noted the proposed plans were only 60% complete and the Council has been listening to the residents as they voice their concerns. She indicated the City Forester reevaluated the trees along Spring Lake Road and she was not sure how the plans would develop going forward. City Administrator Zikmund explained the Council authorized staff to proceed with 100% of the plans with the roadway shift. He commented the plans are specific to the road. He indicated staff can bid the trail and/or sidewalk in three sections noting this would be a bid