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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 /> Snelling Avenue and Lydia, even though it had been removed due to a pedestrian <br /> death on that north crosswalk about ten (10)years ago, and its removal in an <br /> attempt to encourage people 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 Stenlund opined that at least on Lydia Avenue, there was a refuge on the <br /> median for those unable to get across on one signal. <br /> Ms. Bloom noted that one of the City's concerns was maintenance and snow <br /> removal, with the resulting relocation of some pedestals to facilitate a sidewalk <br /> and maintenance of one, but remaining ADA compliant. <br /> Member Stenlund mentioned one concern with the Dale Street Project and <br /> bituminous failure on the south side of County Road C; with Ms. Bloom <br /> reviewing that failure and its cause with the two (2) rain events exceeding erosion <br /> controls in place. <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 County Road B-2 pathway. <br /> Page 2 of 12 <br />