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completion yet this year of physical construction and roadwork, and recognition <br />of the challenges of this project in retrofitting a pathway in an already developed <br />area rather than with new construction areas. <br />Additional discussion included recent newspaper articles about "Safe Routes to <br />School;" grants being researched by School District No. 623 for such routes, with <br />County Road B -2 seeming to be the most likely with five (5) schools within that <br />corridor; and ongoing parental concerns with children walking in the public, even <br />to bus stops. Options for safe walking for children was discussed, including <br />parents forming "pools" to supervise children when walking to the bus or to <br />school; and having facilities available that allow walkers to feel safer. <br />Member Stenlund noted that MnDOT had completed the ADA project along <br />Snelling Avenue, expressing his pride in the work done by the contractor, and <br />sought feedback related to the project. <br />Further discussion included re- installing the crosswalk at the intersection of <br />County Road C -2 and Lydia, even though it had been removed due to a pedestrian <br />death on that north cross *k about ten (10) years ago, and its removal in an <br />attempt to encourage pe ple to cross on the south side rather than the -north; with <br />Mr. Schwartz expressing surprise that it had been installed in that same location <br />again, since the problems remained with right turns off Snelling Avenue. <br />Member St nd opined that at least on Lydia Avenue, there was a refuge on the <br />median f se unable to get across on one signal. <br />Ms. Bloom noted that final project completion would include a 7' boulevard with <br />storm water features and trees to provide a better walking experience. <br />Budget process update <br />Mr. Schwartz provided the latest update on the 2012 budget, with the City <br />Council adopting the Preliminary, not -to- exceed Levy at 4 %; and moving forward <br />with the Phase I Implementation of the Parks Master Plan, as well as approving <br />one city -wide Fire Station on the City Hall campus. <br />Ms. Bloom noted that one portion of the $2 million identified in the Parks Master <br />Plan included as a high priority was the Corner of County Road B -2. <br />Page 2 of 12 <br />