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PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES April 21, 2009 Page 4of8 Ms. Olson asked for comments from the PTRC on the bike lane versus an off-road path. She stated both have pros and cons for this area while mixing with traffic and pedestrians. Ms. Olson indicated the County was open to the idea of paving the additional shoulder to provide a bike lane and could do this within their regular maintenance plan. However, there is no scheduled maintenance identified for this road. Chair Peck felt this was a great solution and would save the City a great deal of money. Chair Peck questioned if additional plans would come before the PTRC on this roadway. Ms. Olson stated that if the widening of the shoulders took place with a County maintenance project, it could be ten or more years before that takes place. However, it is possible that the County would be able to cost share for this project. Chair Peck indicated the underpass of the bridge caused much concern for bikers and was extremely dangerous at this time. Ms. Hilgers stated she would be in favor of a bike lane with extended shoulders. The Committee was in agreement to recommend extending the shoulders for a bike lane on both sides of the roadway. Chair Peck felt this was a wise and safe alternative to the off road bike path. MOTION: Committee Member Hilgers motioned to recommend that Council, in order to increase safety, consider the possibility of constructing pedestrian improvements on both the east and west sides of the CP Rail bridge on Old Snelling and research the possibility with Ramsey County of paving/widening the roadway shoulders to provide a bike lane on both the east and west side in the most cost effective manner, seconded by Committee Member Garretson. The motion carried unanimously. C. Park Capital Improvement Program(CIP) Discussion Ms. Olson indicated the Council held a work session to review the CIP. She reviewed how the PTRC items were shifted around explaining that the City trail signage received $15,000 for 2009 and $10,000 for 2010. Ms. Olson noted that the Lexington Avenue Trail was being worked on by the Community Development Director and herself. At this time it was in the budget with hopes of finding 50% of the expenses covered by the neighboring businesses. Chair Peck suggested this be presented as an opportunity to increase their sales. Discussion ensued regarding a trail on County Road F and if a partnership could be worked out between the businesses and the City. Ms. Olson indicated that this segment became a lower priority due to the uncertainty of the Hamline/694 interchange future. Ms. Olson reported that West Round Lake Trail is in poor condition at this time with weeds and tree roots. She indicated there is a .46 mile gap in the trail due to the inability to negotiate an