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