01-26-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 26, 1998 ( #17) WINTER MAINTENANCE OF TRAILS • Tom Lane, 915 North Brown Road, informed the Council that discussion has been held regarding winter maintenance of the trail. The question had been asked at two different meetings who will maintain the trails. Lane said the past Public Works Director, John Gerhardson, said the City would maintain the trails. Lane asked the Council why the trails are not being maintained. He noted weeds are plentiful during the summer months and snow has made the trail impossible to use over the winter. He said the snow is piled 6' high near Sugarwoods. Lane said the 28' wide road receives alot of use. He submitted a letter regarding the trail to 70 residents and received 35 replies. There are not alot of homes on the road indicating the trail is being used by other residents as well. Lane said the trail serves seven different neighborhoods. Safety problems are arising from attempts to walk the trail. Lane said the residents love the trail. He indicated he personally lost a major portion of his front yard when the trail was constructed but felt the trail would be a benefit to the residents. Lane said he is now being told the policy is that the trails are not maintained. He questioned this as the trail is a main access point for many people. He asked the Council to reconsider the policy and remove the snow from the trail. Lane felt a solution could be reached. Flint informed Lane that the problem is the cost in maintaining the trails. He noted the 0 short trail system in the City does not justify buying the necessary equipment. Flint indicated that the trail on Old Crystal Bay Road will be tied in to Hennepin Parks trail system and maintained by Hennepin Parks in the future. This, however, does not solve the problem for Brown Road North. He suggested possibly contracting with the City of Plymouth. Flint said the City cannot afford to maintain the trails but would like to see an attempt made at maintaining it. He said he has been told that trails can become icy in the winter months. Flint asked Staff to consider other options. Jabbour informed Lane that it is the City's policy not to plow roads in new subdivisions. The issue of trails and maintenance must be a City -wide policy. Jabbour said he reviewed this issue with Moorse. It was noted that each community has different roads. There are benefits to narrow roadways. Jabbour noted that there are people in the City who pay high taxes but receive little benefit in service from the City. Lane asked if a wing could be added to a plow. Goetten informed him that a determination cannot be made for one trail only. She also questioned the issue of liability. Lane asked what the policy is if someone were to be hit on the roadway. Goetten said she would question what people did before trails were built. Jabbour asked Lane if he would be interested in a special assessment. Lane said he would have to discuss the matter with the other neighboring residents. 0 28