11-20-07 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARKS,TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING October 23 2007 Page 4 Committee Member Williams had concern about the storm water for the Northwestern College expansion running into Lake Johanna and asked Councilmember McClung to check on where the drainage would go. He also had concern about a Walgreen's opening in Arden Plaza and does not feel there should be another drugstore in the vicinity of three existing drugstores. Council Liaison McClung indicated they are reviewing the B2 zone and understands the concern regarding the drugstore,but that the City cannot regulate what type of tenant goes in. Mayor Harpstead agreed the City can look at traffic but not dictate what tenant goes in there. 7. PARKS,TRAILS AND RECREATION UPDATE—Michelle Olson Ms.Olson provided the following updates: • She is working on the Safe Routes to School Grant and talked to Jim Tolaas from Ramsey County and they are very much in support of the trail and are willing to work with the city. She indicated it is not much different from the last application that was put in, the only thing is the engineering is not covered 100 percent; about 1/3 of the engineering is eligible for reimbursement so the City will have to pick up some of that cost. On a good note that leaves $175,000 for improvement of trails. • Engineering looked at the Cummings Park Tennis Court and that project is going to cost around $65,000 to get the court back to where it needs to be. Because of the timing it will have to be postponed until the spring. It will be going to Council this coming meeting. She indicated if it's a reconstruct it comes out of the park fund and if it is a resurface it does not. The staff recommendation will be to bid the project this spring. • The liaison for the New Brighton Parks and Recreation Trail Committee called and wanted to know where our committee stood on the old railroad bridge that goes across 35W because they see that as a temporary fix to having no access across 35W. She indicated they should have discussions with MnDOT regarding replacing the bridge since it would not be cost-effective to spend a lot of money on refurbishment if MnDOT does not plan on keeping the bridge. Public Works Director Hoag indicated the bridge is far enough north that it does not affect the 694 project. Council Liaison McClung indicated that MnDOT stated the bridge will not be there when they reconstruct. Ms. Olson stated she informed New Brighton that for Arden Hills to get involved we would need reassurance from MnDOT that Arden Hills is wrong about the bridge not being. Mayor Harpstead indicated the City has other things they should be spending their efforts on that are much more important, but also stated the City would consider working with them on the County Road E bridge, sound abatement,the Briarknoll neighborhood,or Lake Valentine Road,if they consider that. • Ms. Olson stated she has researched the problem with the Round Lake Trail and it has to do with not having a signed easement from Distribution Alternatives. She indicated they stated they would sell an easement for around$50,000 and that is where talks stalled. • Another item regarding the Safe Routes to School depends on whether Ramsey County moves the paving of the underpass up to County Road E2 to 2008. Ms. Olson indicated if this occurs she would like to add to the DNR grant to pave from Perry to the trailhead,in a cost-sharing effort. • Ms. Olson also reminded everyone that the Buckthorn removal is this Saturday, October 27, at Hazelnut from 8:45 a.m.to 1:00 p.m.