03-28-1994 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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TO: FROM: DATE: Mayor and City Council Ron Moorse, City Administrator March 25, 1994 SUBJECT: Tandem Properties (Dkkey Property)/Bike Trail Update Several years ago the City developed a trail system plan to identify the future location of bike/hike trails in the community. This plan did not determine a time line, priorities, or funding sources for the trail system. The Tandem Properties development proposal includes a bike trail along tlK portion of the property that is on Uk City ’s trail system. Prior to the Tandem Properties proposal, the City had considered a joint project with Hennepin Parks for a trail on Old Crystal Bay Road between the Luce Line and Baker Park. The Council tabled action on the project to enable staff to find ways to reduce the costs of the trail and to address concerns of the neighbors. Some of the costs of the trail have been reduced by moving the trail off the right-of-way to eliminate the n^ed for curb and gutter at some points. Additional cost reductions will result from a portion of the trail being developed as part of the Tandem Properties development. One cost reduction will be the elimination of the n^ for the City to provide landscaping along this portion of the trail. Also, when the Park Commission recommended that a trail be constructed by the developer, the developer agreed but indicated the costs of the trail should be deducted from the park dedication fee. The Council does have tlw option of reouiring the developer to build a trail without a reduction in L’.e park dedication fee. 1 have attached the memo previously provided to the Council that outlines this issue. Additional opportunities for cost reductions could be achieved by phasing the trail over a several year period so that some portions are constructed at the time the adjacent property is subdivided. This would enable the City to obtain easements to construct the trail adjacent to the right-of-way to avoid some curb and gutter costs. It also eliminates the need for the City to install landscaping along these areas. The phasing alternative is workable within the Hennepin Parks joint funding arrangement. Hennepin Parks has indicated they will agree to provide joint funding if the City makes a commitment within the next five years that a trail will be constructed between the Luce Line and Baker Park. The City Engineer is in the process of recalculating the costs of the Old Crystal Bay Road trail project based on a phased approach. The two neighbors with significant concerns regarding the trail are the Hiles and the Brandenbergs. In addition to general opposition to the trail by each, the Hiles have concerns regarding landscaping, drainage, a retaining wall and a fence. The City Engineer is preparing additional information and alternatives to address each of these concerns in preparation for a meeting with the Hiles.