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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, October 14, 2013 Page 18 At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Ms. Giga clarified that most of this corridor had either no curbing or bituminous versus concrete curbing, except for a small segment located mostly east of Central Park Elementary School. Mayor Roe noted that there was also some bituminous curbing on Victoria Street. Councilmember McGehee questioned when those areas were proposed for recon- struction and if that would include curb & gutter installation with associated storm sewer. Mr. Schwartz advised that, given the County Road B-2 volumes, Ramsey County only foresaw maintenance (e.g. mill and overlay) projects over the next twenty years. Based on discussions with the County at the staff level on the upcoming 2015 project south of B-2, and potential replacement of the signal, Mr. Schwartz advised that they had expressed some willingness to coordinate that project with the City's for installation at the same time. As those discussions continue, Mr. Schwartz advised that staff's final recommendation may be to not construct that area south of B-2 to incorporate all aspects in the 2015 City Project. Willmus moved, Roe seconded, authorizing staff to prepare final plans and speci- fications, and advertise for bids; with the preferred Victoria segment using the existing structure on east side. Councilmember Willmus stated that he had no question whether or not to do the project; opining that it should go forward. Councilmember Willmus noted that this was a heavily travelled pedestrian corridor and any efforts to move those people from the shoulder or road to a sidewalk is advantageous. While being sympathetic to concerns expressed with the position of sidewalk installation, Councilmember Willmus encouraged staff to minimize that 5' boulevard to a 2' strip with other vegetation as suggested by Councilmember McGehee, and used in other areas of the City and in the City of Falcon Heights, as a more aesthetically pleasing option than having concrete up to edge. Councilmember McGehee noted that she was also sympathetic with aesthetic and safety concerns expressed; however she was more concerned with providing safe- ty for pedestrians and bikers. While many back streets could be utilized in some places, Councilmember McGehee observed that County Road B-2 was a long stretch accessing several schools. Councilmember McGehee admitted that she was still on the fence whether to go forward with this project, and awaited further dialogue with her colleagues before making her decision. Councilmember McGehee advised that she favored not having people ride their bikes in the street, she also recognized the difficulties with pathways in Minnesota winters, express- ing her interest in walking during the winter months, but the condition of path- ways preventing her from doing so safely due to the difficulty of the City being able to keep them in shape, creating a liability.