Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/15/2008

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Fire Chief Kaplan stated that, from a public safety standpoint, he thinks it is vital to at least acquire the easement of the MPCA land. He stated that he thinks making the utilities extension makes sense and that a connection for the 2 neighborhoods makes sense, if not today, then sometime in the future. He stated that he thinks the City should acquire the property so someday the City has it in place to make the coooection as it chooses. Mark Anderson, 6850 148th Lane, stated that people in their neighborhood purchased their homes because they were located on a cuI de sac. He stated that the neighbors have signed a petition stating that they support the watermain looping and the idea of a bike path. He stated that they like the bike path that is there, but the funny layout brings it over near an existing home. He stated that this existing home is owned by Mary Suttler and she plans to put $100,000 into improvements and she has asked the City for an access connection to 140th. He stated that she has indicated that this could be used for an access point for emergencies. He stated that she would maintain the access and he thinks, for the short term, that this is a great plan. He stated that he realizes that if she were to sell the property, there are no guarantees that the next homeowner would be as cooperative. He stated that this option would be much cheaper than putting in a road connection. He stated that there are 53 signatures on the petition. Chair Elvig asked who had been notified about this public meeting. Assistant City Engineer Himmer showed Chair Elvig on a map which neighborhoods had been contacted. Mr. Anderson stated that a sturdy bike path could be put in, so in an emergency a truck or ambulance could just drive through to the neighborhood on the path. He stated that 5 neighbors have volunteered to maintain the trail if it is made as a bike path, not a roadway. Public Works Director Olson stated that he feels the City should acquire the land to be able to construct the roadway in case we need to, but feels the City could give this approach a try. He reiterated that he would like to see the City have control of the necessary land so it can move forward if it needs to in the future. . Councilmember Dehen asked about costs for acquiring easements on the property. Assistant City Engineer Himmer stated that he feels the City should acquire the land and not just have easements for a trail. Public Works Director Olson stated that the MPCA owns this land because they wanted to create a buffer area around the landfill. He stated that they don't care if it is owned by another public entity, but they don't want it developed with housing that is closer than what is already there; Councilmember Dehen stated that he is not in favor of putting a road in, but asked what the downside would be to getting an easement instead of acquiring the property. Assistant City Engineer Himmer stated that if the City doesn't acquire the land, the MPCA could say they do not want a trail easement on the land. He stated that if the City acquires the land, the Public Works Committee / April 15, 2008 Page 6 of 11