07-21-20-PTRC MInutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes July 21, 2020 Page 3 Committee Member Beggin asked if businesses or individuals could donate to the Foundation and the money to be used specifically toward playground equipment. Council Liaison Grant said people can designate what the donation goes towards. E. Trail Crossing, I-694 Update Chair Straumann gave a brief update on the current trail crossings on I-694. Other possible connections from Indian Place to Tony Schmidt Regional Park and Valentine Park were discussed. Committee Member Poelzer said at County Road E and the Elmer Anderson Trail a lot of people turn around because there is no paved trail beyond that point. Some people will walk to the beach on County Road E but stay on the same side of the road, which is a safety issue. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom said they are in discussions with Ramsey County Transportation on this item. Committee Member Poelzer said along Lake Johanna Boulevard and the boat launch there are trailers and trucks that park along the road taking up the shoulder so people walking and biking are trying to squeeze by and it’s a safety issue. When the trail is done from County Road E along Lake Johanna Boulevard that safety issue would be taken care of. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Regional Solicitation Applications for Trail Extensions Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom said the City had applied for two Regional Solicitation grants. Staff Liaison Vaughan explained that Project 1 – The Mounds View High School Trail, would be an extension of the trail built in 2018 on the west side of Snelling Avenue North. The trail would extend from County E2 to Lake Valentine Road, continuing on to the east parking lot for Mounds View High School. Project 2 – The Old Snelling Trail Extension, would be an extension north adjacent to Old Snelling Highway 10 from Lake Valentine Road to Wedgewood Circle. The applications were submitted on May 15, 2020. The Transportation Advisory Board will select projects for funding in December 2020. A total of approximately $180 million in federal funds is anticipated to be available in this solicitation for program years 2024 and 2025. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated the program involves Federal Transportation funds that are given to the state, a portion of which are often times made available for counties and cities to apply for funds through the Met Council’s Transportation Advisory Board. The scoring of applications should be released in late August. Both projects are listed in the Multiuse Trails and Bicycle Facilities category.