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PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES May 19, 2009 Page 2 of b was very pleased with the accomplishment and for the financial assistance it would. provide the City for these trail connections. Ms. Olson reviewed the design plan of the projects that would be recommended for approval. She explained that this project would now be referred to as the Elmer L. Anders& Memorial Frail Connections, as written within the grant. Ms. Olson stated the environmental was completed for both projects, which helped the City to score highly on the grant. She explained that the plans and specifications for the Perry Park trail still needed to be completed. Ms. Olson reported that June IOth would be the final approval date and that she would p pp report back to the Committee after that time. She noted the school was very happy to hear about the grant. Ms. Olson explained that if all went well, this project would begin next spring/early summer of 2010. 2. CP Rail Ms. Olson discussed that she brought the Committee's recommendation of bike lanes on both sides of the bridge to Council. She explained that the Council is waiting on County Road E estimates at this time. Ms. Olson noted the City has spoken with Ramsey County and explained they were open to working with the City on a bike lane or additional shoulder. She indicated the biggest challenge will be the costs if completed independently of a maintenance project, as some portions of the roadway would be challenging than others. Council Liaison Holmes added that the Council would also like to see how the west side proceeds; before addressing a trail on both sides of the bridge. Ms. Olson reported that staff has been in communication with the railroad and that they were open to having a trail on either one or more sides. Ms. Olson explained that they were not giving any final approval until they have reviewed the plans. 3. County Road E Bridge Ms. Olson explained that the County Road E Bridge has gotten quite complicated. She passed out a memo from the recent Council meeting for the Committee to review. Ms. Olson noted the cantilever option was no longer viable as MnDOT was not in favor of this proposal as it would require structural implications to the bridge. Ms. Olson stated the engineers have identified two alternatives, one being to modify the existing bridge deck providing a five foot walkway, two foot offset with two twelve foot lanes for traffic. She indicated a structural analysis would need to be completed for this option. Ms. Olson indicated the second option would be a stand-alone pedestrian bridge to the north side of the existing bridge.