8A, Motion to Accept CP Rail Bridge Pedestrian Crossing

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DRAFT . PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 24, 2009 Page 3 of8 Ms. O'Malley stated she felt the west side was safer for children coming out of the neighborhoods and would not have to cross the busy roadway to get to the trail. Mr. Jones questioned if there would be a barrier between pedestrians on the trail and traffic along Highway 10. Mr. Winter explained he has recommended some concrete barriers. Chair Peck stated the Committee does not want a crossing but does need to make a recommendation on where the underpass should be located for this trail. Mr. Messerly questioned if the trail would be lit and that if it was not, the pedestrian and bicycle traffic would need to be very cautious while crossing driveways. Chair Peck agreed that site lines would need to be reviewed. Council Liaison Holmes stated an additional benefit to the west side would be connection to the trail created by Roseville along the south segment near Snelling Avenue. Discussion ensued regarding a trail crossing near the Bethel entrance along with the safety concerns for pedestrians and bicycle traffic. Ms. Olson indicated if the City were to recommend a crossing, this would have to be a safe crossing. Mr. Winter indicated the west side could require board walk construction near the lake, which was a bit more expensive and was written into the estimate. He explained that along the east side, there were several steep driveways that would need grading work, which added to the expense of the trail. Chair Peck questioned how wide the trail would be under the bridge. He asked if the engineering work has been completed for the underpass and if CP Rail was approving the plans. Mr. Winter explained the trail would be eight feet wide and that CP Rail was in favor of the underpass as long as the City does not impact the structural integrity of the bridge. Ms. Hilgers question~d if the west trail estimate of $238,000 included the boardwalk. Mr. Winter stated the boardwalk was required and that this number did include the boardwalk. Ms. Olson stated the City could possibly seek federal funding and grants to assist with the trail corridor expense. Ms. Hilgers stated she would like to see the trail stay on one side of the corridor and that she was not crazy about the idea of pedestrians crossing over this roadway, especially children. Chair Peck agreed. Chair Peck questioned if the watershed district would need to be involved with this project. Mr. Winter indicated he has already met with the watershed and that there were several requirements for linear trail projects with regard to storm water.