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Parks,Trails&Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 18,2010 Page 3 B. 694/Hwy 51 —Bike Ped Discussion—Rich Straumann Committee Member Straumann reported that the crossing over 694 is not possible with the current configuration. He indicated this crossing has been discussed as a gap in the trail system and Ramsey County has it on their Active Living Ramsey County gap list. Mr. Straumann handed out a concept for a trail that would cross over the bridges and in front of Bethel University. He indicated there could be a problem with getting the permission to do this since Bethel is not in favor of having a trail that close to their campus. Mr. Straumann feels the trail is a possibility if everything works out with Bethel and would like to bring this forward for public comment at the next Council meeting. Discussion ensued about other alternate routes for the trail. Mr. Straumann indicated if Mn/DOT does not widen the two bridges the trail will not happen. Council Liaison Grant mentioned he has concerns as to whether the bridges would support a trail. He feels it would be best if the City, with Ramsey County, expressed the importance of this trail to Mn/DOT. Mr. Straumann indicated there is a meeting with Active Living Ramsey County, the Biking and Walking Task Force, Mn/DOT and Met Council Transportation at Falcon Heights City Hall on Thursday, May 20th from 6:00-8:00 pm. He asked that the PTRC members attend this meeting. Ms. Olson stated the reason Bethel is not in favor of the trail is because of security issues. Discussion ensued on whether the trail would result in a security issue. Council Liaison Grant indicated he would like the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners to state they are in favor of this trail and vote on it as a motion and then send to Mn/DOT. Mr. Straumann provided a 9-page map that Active Living Ramsey County put together showing trails and gaps in the trails. He indicated the map showing the gaps was voted on by Active Living Ramsey County. Council Liaison Grant felt they should motion that the committee take this to Council to pass a resolution of support and then send to Mn/DOT and to try to get RamseyCounty y to do that as well. MOTION: Ms. Garretson motioned to recommend that MnDot incorporate a pedestrian friendly infrastructure in the 694/51 redesign and encourage the City Council to forward a resolution of support to Ramsey County and MnDot. Ms. O'Malley seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.