Agenda - Council - 08/24/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Hendriksen, Anderson, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case #6: Authorize Master Trail Plan Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that included within the 1999 Parks Operations Budget is a $22,950 line item entitled "Professional Services." This amount is an increase over prior years and is intended to address two projects; one of which is the golf course feasibility study that was authorized by City Council this past spring. The more critical project, however, is a Master Trail Plan for the City. With a few exceptions, trail construction has occurred in smaller increments and as part of other development activity - including residential subdivisions, new road construction, or commercial/industrial development. As these opportunities wane, the City may need to be more aggressive in terms of trail development and funding to meet resident expectations. Mr. Boos explained that discounting the paved shoulders, Ramsey has 17.9 miles of existing trail and 68.8 miles of proposed trail. The existing segments are appreciated and well used, and lhe majority of residents desire more trails and increased connections. Ramsey's Park and Recreation Commission and staff are in agreement that a Master Trail Plan should be developed to complement the Commission's Park and Trail map. The plan, prepared with the assistance of a consulting and engineering finn, will address a number of different issues, most notably trail construction costs and funding recommendations. Mr. Boos noted that, on March 23, 1999, City Council authorized staff to obtain proposals for a Trail Plan that would address the most significant trail corridor in the City - the Trott Brook Trail. Staff proceeded with an RFP for Master Trail Plan services for two reasons: If needed, the Trott Brook portions of the larger plan could be perfomied and funded separately (based upon that, the RFP was configured); and, more importantly, an examination of the Trott Brook Trail should not be undertaken without an understanding of all of the other implications and considerations related to trail development in Ramsey. The following statements were offered in support of proceeding with a Master Trail Plan: I. If the property east of Lake Itasca and north of 153~d , as well as the Central Park expansion, is acquired (in addition to the smaller proposed neighborhood park expansions), Ramsey's park system acreage will be adequate for the future. The traiI system, however, is less that 26% complete. 2. Park system development funding is currently available from interest earnings from the Landfill Trust Fund, park dedications, charitable gambling, and, to a degree, the General Fund. The trail system currently does not have an identified funding source. 3. A significant amount of grant moneys are available from various agencies for trail development and land acquisition. However, concept plans and cost estimates are essential for applying for these moneys. 4. There will be opposition to particular parts of certain trail corridors. A master trail plan provides a controlled environment in which to address these concerns. 5. A master trail plan is a tool with which City officials and staff can lobby for legislative assistance with trail development. (A new funding biennium for the LCMR begins next year.) Finance Committee/July 13, 1999 Page 7 of 9