Agenda - Public Works Committee - 11/20/2007

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Chair Elvig accepted a friendly amendment, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to also notify the petitioners of the action the City is taking regarding their request for stop signs at Alpaca Street and Riverdale Drive. Amended motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Olson and Dehen. Voting NQ: None. Case #2: Consider Request for Fence along CSAH 5 Trail City Engineer Jankowski stated that at the September 18, 2007 Public Works Committee meeting, Ron Whaley had expressed his concern about the completion of the trail near his home and also requested the City put fencing in along the path. He stated that Mr. Whaley has now reported that school children are cutting through his yard to access the path. He noted that since the last Public Works Committee meeting, staff had graded the path, but a number of heavy rains had resulted in a substantial amount 0'[ erosion and had knocked down a silt fence. He stated that the area was restored on October 12, 2007. He stated that Mr. Whaley has suggested that the City fence the portion of the trail behind his house and he would fence in the side yard area. City Engineer Jankowski stated that in researching pricing for fencing, it would cost approximately $25 per lineal foot and would be about $3,200. He stated that if the City chose to do.this, it would have a substantial impact on how much of the trail system the City can construct. He noted that staff recommends that the City reaffirm the current policy that fencing along trails is at the discretion and cost of the property owner. Councilmember Olson stated that she does not think it is a good idea for the City to place themselves in the position to block private land from public access. She stated that she is not in favor of installing this fencing. She suggested that Mr. Whaley could post No Trespassing signs on his property. City Engineer Jankowski stated that it is Mr. Whaley's intent to fence the yard. He stated that the City has been looking at making a trail connection between 149th and 150th Lane to the north, so school kids would have a chance to make this cut over, which may help this situation. Chair Elvig stated that he is not in favor of installing this fencing because of the precedent it would set. . He stated that he would like the City to take a look at the possibility of purchasing some right of way to put a sidewalk trail between Mr. Whaley's and the neighbor's property. , Councilmember Dehen noted that he was also not in favor of constructing a fence along the trail. He stated that fencing would create potential security issues. He suggested that the City could consider some type of landscaping that would help beautify the trails. Chair Elvig stated that landscaping would also set a precedent and increase the costs of trail construction. Councilmember Dehen stated that he was not suggesting that the City install the landscaping on private land, but to take a look at where plantings may be applicable and even consider some Public Works Committee /October 16, 2007 Page 4 of 12 .