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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,June 20,2011 Page 11 Mayor Roe questioned how individual Councilmember comments match Com- missioner processes with various working groups. Chair Etten noted that the community and Commissioners were expectantly awaiting survey results, which had served to validate the Master Plan process. Recognizing the current economic times, Chair Etten advised that the Commis- sion was cognizant that some things in the Master Plan could not be accomplished now; however, he indicated that many things could be done. Chair Etten provided five (5) reasons for short-term needs to be addressed: 1. Deteriorating items/facilities in existing parks to make them safe and up- graded; 2. With the last 2-1/2 years involving substantial community engagement, now is the time to address those needs while at the forefront of awareness of residents; 3. Opportunities are available in SW Roseville for federal dollars for trails, through coordination with the Public Works Department, but the money needed to be available to get in the grant cycle; 4. Bonding money is relatively cheap right now; and 5. This City Council is deeply versed in the Master Plan, having been inti- mately involved in its creation, updates, and understanding it, and future City Council's may not have that much information. Chair Etten opined that Councilmembers seemed ready to look at various pack- ages, and the Commission was interested in facilitating this program now. Councilmember McGehee advised that, as a resident in SW Roseville with no real park, but a great trail, she was most concerned with still being unable to cross Snelling Avenue, even though the Public Works Department had been lobbied for years. Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of a bridge crossing Snelling Avenue that would be handicapped accessible, that would also allow access for those residents to other community parks and facilities safely. Chair Etten recognized those concerns, and that a large part of the Master Plan in- cluded connections for parks, including a possible bridge over Snelling Avenue, and how to get people connected safely, whether recreationally or for commuting purposes. Commissioner Pederson advised that she also serves as a Ramsey County Parks Commissioner, and one of the duties of the Ramsey County Active Communities initiative is looking at pedestrian/bicycle-friendly trails throughout the County; and one of those big projects is proposed for Snelling Avenue. Commissioner Pederson advised that she would provide Councilmember McGehee with contact information with Ramsey County for additional information.