CCP 10-25-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 12,2004 3 Mr. Brown stated the City developed a Parks and Trails Master Plan, which outlined the improvements for park and trails throughout the City. The Plan was adopted in 2002 after a resident survey was conducted and indicated that expanding the trail network was a high priority. The Plan aims to connect the Arden Hills' community through an efficient and safe trail system that will provide residents an opportunity for healthy exercise and inter-community conncctedness. Currently, there are very narrow walkways on both sides of the bridge. These inadequate walkways along the County Road E bridge over TH51 are the only crossing between Lydia Avenue in Roseville and 1-694. This area is considered a weak link in the trail system and a "choke point" for pedestrian traffic. For these reasons, the Council directed staff to look into improving the pedestrian crossing and sidewalk options. The proposed plan would extend the trail system across County Road E bridge to Lindey's Park. Future trail plans include a trail that will connect Lake Johanna to Lindey's Park and another trail that will traverse north and south from Lindey's Park along Snelling Avenue and Old Highway 10. Mr. Brown indicated staff requests Council provide direction on project scope and take appropriate action on the Resolution. Mr. Brown noted in terms of the bridge, staff believed that this is a significant safety concern and major "choke point" for the City. He indicated the bridge improvement was being recommended. Mr. Brown stated staff supported the concept of the sidewalk as a connection to an overall City trail system as outlined in the Parks and Trails Master Plan. However, recognizing the intrusiveness into existing residential yards, staff would recommend the least intrusive, yet viable option available. Most likely this would be the option with a 2-foot setback with a 6-foot sidewalk. Trail linkage and pedestrian safety were the primary reasons for supporting the sidewalk concept. Mayor Aplikowski clarified the reason for the Resolution was because they were asking for funds from the State. Mr. Brown replied that was correct. Mayor Aplikowski asked what was the difference between the Option B bridge and the Option C bridge. Mr. Brown replied the width of the sidewalk was a factor. He noted the sidewalk would go from 7 feet wide to 10 feet wide and there would also be an interior rail. He noted with option B, the roadway would need to be made narrower. Mayor Aplikowski noted the Council had already made the bridge decision, but they had not decidcd what type of bridge they would be putting in. Dave Webster, 3529 Snelling Avenue, stated they have lived in their neighborhood for 25 years and they had always wanted a wider sidewalk across the bridge. He noted a car on the bridge hit his son who was on a bike a few years ago. He stated he approved of this project and it would be an improvement to the neighborhood.