09-28-04 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 28, 2004 Page 5 of8 . Committee Member Thompson agreed stating that she has discussed this with her neighbors and most are very much in favor of the trail. She stated that it is very important to the residents that they have the comfort level of being able to cross County Road E safely. She suggested putting together a petition that could help determine who wants it and who doesn't. She explained that she would like to be sure they are getting the right information from the resident. She expressed concerns noting that there is a real bias involved in trying to come to a decision on this issue. She stated that the PTRC represents the City and its parks and expressed concerns that the Council does not take into consideration PTRC recommendations as part of the decision process. Committee Member Crassweller reviewed his concerns with the committee noting that last year the City Council had asked the PTRC to prioritize park projects and provide Council with their recommendations. He stated that it was their understanding this is all part of a twenty year plan for the City and that the projects would be funded with state and/or county assistance. He clarified that they are all separate projects that should be paid for as they are completed. Chair Henry agreed stating that many of the residents agree that there is a need for these projects. He stated that it is a question of how it is asked for and explained. He expressed concerns stating that the trails need to be addressed. Council Liaison Holden asked if the committee members have met with the residents to discuss . the projects and hear their concerns. Chair Henry stated that he has discussed the projects with many of the residents, in addition to passing out flyers and articles. He indicated that the residents have also assisted in the development of the plan and reviewed with the committee. Council Liaison Holden stated that staffwill be presenting a slide show of the bridge proposal but would not include the sidewalk. She stated that they would like it open for discussion and reviewed with the committee. Mayor Aplikowski explained that the bridge and trail were considered as two separate projects. She stated that based on how it was presented, there is support for the bridge but the sidewalk is not included as part of the project as it is currently designed. Chair Henry explained that this is one project not two. He stated that the recommendation from the PTRC included the bridge and the sidewalk as one project. Ms. Olson clarified to the Mayor and to Councilmember Holden that staff requested a Feasibility Study on the bridge adding that when the Study came back to Council for their review, it included a request to include the trail with the bridge as part of the study. e