Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/19/2004

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Councilmember Cook noted from the Park and Recreation standpoint, it has always been the discussion that after the trail was completed on Highway 47 on one side and had a safe passage, that as that road gets busier they might have a trail on both sides. They have always liked to have a buffer between bike traffic and the road, and they may want to put in a buffer of rocks or woodchips between the trail and the road. He indicated there are types of grass that may be more tolerant than what is currently there. Mayor Gamec commented the state wants a clear zone for winging the snow off the road. He asked if Mr. Kemp's lot ends at the end of the fence. Mr. Kemp replied the fence is actually ten feet into the right-of-way. He received a permit from MnDOT to place the fence there. Public Works Director Kapler noted this is a highly salted section of road, with 100 percent salt. Acting Chairperson Elvig asked if Mr. Kemp's concern is the grass and how it looks or the foot traffic. Mr. Kemp replied the foot traffic does notreally bother him. He commented the grass is pretty decent up towards the fence. Acting Chairperson Elvig stated he would be happy to see the plans for a sidewalk on that side of the road. He noted a buffer zone would be needed. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated he has seen in a lot of instances where medians are put in with a two-foot strip behind the curb to allow for salt to run off. This is much more than two feet. MnDOT will likely let the City put the trail in where they want, but the City will have to maintain it, and it will be difficult to keep clean in the winter with the snowplow dumping snow on it. He does not know what else they could do other than planting a species of grass that is more tolerant. Councilmember Cook noted there is a new product made from ground-up tires that is gray and looks similar to rock when it is put down. They could try something like that to see hpw it works. It is difficult to keep grass growing under a salted area. Mayor Gamec indicated they will need to check with MnDOT on this, and the blade from the plow will be dropping on whatever is put there. Public Works Director Kapler requested permission from the Committee to look into some of the options. The consensus of the Committee was to direct staff to research options, including a trail, and to bring the issue before the Park and Recreation Board for discussion. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Public Works Committee/October 19, 2004 Page 2 of 13